Lima 106
Psoas Release
About this treatment
Your deepest core muscle deserves to be heard
Deep inside your abdomen, running from your lower spine all the way to the top of your femur, lives the psoas — the longest and most powerful hip flexor in your body, and the only muscle that directly connects your spine to your legs. Anatomists call it a postural muscle. Trauma-informed therapists call it something else entirely: the muscle of the soul. And I think both are right.
What makes the psoas so remarkable — and so often overlooked — is that it responds not just to physical strain, but to emotional stress as well. Every time your nervous system perceives a threat, it triggers the psoas to contract. Sitting for long hours, carrying chronic stress, old injuries, anxiety, grief — all of it accumulates here. Over time, a chronically tight psoas can cause low back pain, hip restriction, digestive issues, even a subtle but persistent feeling of being on edge. It holds your history in its fibres.
In my Psoas Release sessions I work slowly, with great intention and gentleness. I use a combination of targeted manual techniques, breath guidance, and gentle fascial unwinding to invite — never force — the psoas to soften. Many clients are surprised by how emotional or deeply restful the release feels. That is not unusual. It is simply your body exhaling something it has held for a very long time. I am here with you every step of the way.
Why choose this
The advantages of a Psoas Release in Bonaire
Relief from chronic back and hip pain
The psoas is often the hidden root of persistent lower back pain, hip tightness and groin tension. By releasing this deep core muscle directly, I can address the actual source of discomfort rather than its surface manifestations.
Improved posture and freedom of movement
A chronically shortened psoas pulls your lumbar spine forward, creating anterior pelvic tilt and compression. When it releases, your spine decompresses, your pelvis realigns and your whole movement pattern opens up.
Stress reduction and nervous system reset
The psoas is intimately connected to your stress response — it contracts with every fight-or-flight activation. Releasing it is like pressing reset on months of accumulated tension, allowing your nervous system to finally exhale.
Emotional release and body awareness
The psoas is sometimes called the muscle of the soul — it holds not just physical tension but emotional memory. Many clients experience unexpected emotional release during this treatment, followed by a profound sense of lightness and presence.
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What happens during your Psoas Release?
We begin with a short conversation about what you are experiencing — physically and, if you wish, emotionally. There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. You then lie down fully clothed or in comfortable clothing on the treatment table, and I guide you through a few slow, grounding breaths to help your nervous system settle before I begin.
The work itself is unhurried. I approach the psoas from the abdomen with careful, gradual pressure — listening for the moment your body allows me in rather than pushing through resistance. I combine this with gentle movement of your legs, hip-opening holds, and breath cues that encourage the muscle to release on its own terms. The treatment typically lasts 60 to 75 minutes, and afterward I always allow time for you to simply rest and integrate before you get up.
People often leave feeling taller, lighter, and remarkably calm. Some feel a wave of emotion or tiredness in the days that follow — this is a healthy sign that your body is processing and rebalancing. I always recommend drinking plenty of water and being gentle with yourself after a session.
Is this treatment right for you?
Psoas Release is especially valuable if you experience chronic low back or hip pain, feel tight or restricted in your hips, carry a lot of stress or anxiety in your body, or have been told your posture needs attention. It is also a beautiful treatment for anyone going through a period of emotional transition or recovery. If you are pregnant, have recently had abdominal surgery, or have any concerns about working in this area, please reach out before booking — I am always happy to have a quick call to find the best approach for you.
If you are drawn to deep structural work, you may also love the Deep Tissue Massage or Muscle & Fascia Therapy. For a gentler but equally transformative experience, Connective Tissue Massage works beautifully alongside Psoas Release — and for those with an active lifestyle, Sports Massage is a wonderful complement to keep your body moving freely.
Our Specialists

Carolina

Marjolijn
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Psoas Release only available to returning clients?
The psoas is the deepest muscle in the body and reaching it requires working near the abdomen and internal organs. This demands a high level of trust between client and therapist. By reserving this treatment for guests who already know our work, we ensure you enter the session with the confidence and ability to fully relax — which is essential for a genuine psoas release.
What exactly is the psoas muscle?
The psoas major is the deepest skeletal muscle in the body. It runs from your lumbar vertebrae through your pelvis to your femur, driving hip flexion and influencing your posture and breathing. It’s known as the ‘muscle of the soul’ because it’s deeply linked to the body’s stress response.
Why does the treatment take 90 minutes?
The psoas cannot be rushed. Forcing or abbreviating the process produces tension rather than release. The 90 minutes include breathwork preparation, layered tissue work, the deep release phase, and integration time in constructive rest — each element necessary for the full effect.
Is it painful?
Deep abdominal work can feel intense, especially when the psoas is very tight. However, the approach is always guided by your comfort level. This is not about forcing a release but creating conditions for the muscle to let go willingly. Discomfort, when it occurs, is typically brief and followed immediately by relief.
Is this good after a day of diving on Bonaire?
Excellent choice. The bent underwater posture, carrying heavy tank equipment, and sustained hip flexion of diving all load the psoas significantly. This treatment directly addresses that strain. Many divers report dramatic lower back improvement after a single session.
What should I expect immediately after the treatment?
Most guests feel deep relaxation, physical openness, and lightness through their lower body. Some experience mild emotional release — completely normal and brief. We recommend taking the rest of the day easy and drinking plenty of water to support integration.
How long does the effect last?
A single psoas release can produce lasting improvement, particularly with gentle stretching afterward. Regular treatments are more effective still. Your therapist will offer guidance on maintaining the benefits between sessions.


