FASCIA ILIACA AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE ⠀ [FASCIAL ANATOMY LESSON] ⠀ The Iliopsoas is an important muscle linking the trunk, pelvis and the lower limbs. It is enwrapped by the Fascia Iliaca which is in contiguity with many parts of the body: ⠀ This includes the thoracic diaphragm and pillars, lumbar spine, hilus of kidneys, adrenals and vessels, the head and tail of the pancreas, the splenic vessels, fourth duodenum, peritoneum, aorta, IVC, colic vessels, anterior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric vein, the spinal muscles, lumbar sympathetic plexus, lumbar vessels, ALL, splanchnic nerves, common iliac vessels with lymphatic ganglia, mesenteric root, appendix, caecum, the SI joint, the uterus, spermatic or utero-ovarian vessels, infundibulo-pelvic lig, iliolumbar ligaments, lumbosacral trunk, anterior femoral head, links with the femoralis fascia, femoral arteries and veins. ⠀ It is necessary to liberate the tissue that can put tension on each of the structures mentioned above and many more. ⠀ In the anterior view of Pic 2, the fascia iliaca is the transverse fascial layering that covers the psoas major, psoas minor, ilicacus (light green label). This fascia is deep to the viscera and serves as an anchoring point for the cecum/large intestine and blends with the fascia covering the thoracic diaphragm and the transverse abdominis. ⠀ The fascia iliaca is attached strongly to the transverse processes of T12-L5 medially as well as the anterior/internal ilium and inferiorly to the femoral sheath under the inguinal ligament. ⠀ Via the iliopsoas distal tendon, the fascia iliaca is in continuity with the femur/hip complex. Abnormal tension/quality in this tissue can be a factor in many clinical disorders from bowel issues to FAI (hip) impingement syndromes to lumbar disc pathologies! ⠀ The fascia iliaca is effectively the tissue that creates the connected viscero-lumbo-pelvic-hip/femoral complex. Yet another example of anatomical links clarifying functional relationships in the body. ⠀ This explains how important it is to assess and treat this important structure in every single treatment session!