Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

Spring 2024 • 47

AMTA Continuing Education

• The gluteus minimus is the smallest muscle in the gluteal group, located below the gluteus medius. This muscle originates on the gluteal surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines and inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur. The gluteus minimus assists in hip abduction and internal rotation, and contributes to hip stabilization. These gluteal muscles work together to provide stability, power and control during various activities. Strong gluteal muscles are essential for maintaining proper posture, generating force during movements like jumping and lifting, and preventing injuries in the lower back, hips and knees. The Hip Rotators and Muscles The deep six lateral hip rotators , also known as the deep external rotators of the hip, refer to a group of small muscles located deep within the hip joint. These muscles serve to primarily perform lateral rotation of the hip, but also contribute to stability and proper alignment of the hip joint. The deep six lateral hip rotators consist of piriformis, quadratus femoris, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior, obturator internus and obturator externus. The function of each of these muscles is listed below to help us understand how they affect the lower part of the body. 1. The piriformis muscle is the largest and most well-known muscle among the deep six lateral hip rotators. This muscle originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum and inserts at the greater trochanter of the femur. 2. The quadratus femoris muscle originates on the lateral border of the ischial tuberosity and inserts on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur. 3. The gemellus superior muscle originates from the ischial spine and inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur. 4. The gemellus inferior muscle is located below the gemellus superior. This muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts at the greater trochanter of the femur. 5. The obturator internus muscle originates on

the obturator membrane and inferior surface of the obturator foramen then passes through the lesser sciatic notch to insert into the greater trochanter of the femur. 6. The obturator externus muscle is located inferior to the obturator internus. This muscle originates from the rami of the pubis, ischium, and obturator membrane and inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur. These deep six lateral hip rotators are important for maintaining proper configuration and steadiness of the hip joint. They are particularly active during movements such as walking, running, and activities that involve rotation of the hip, such as kicking or pivoting. The psoas muscle is deep to some of the visceral organs such as the large and small intestines and kidneys. This muscle is one of the primary muscles involved in hip flexion. The psoas muscle originates from the bodies and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and travels inferiorly, crossing the anterior pubis to insert into the lesser trochanter of the femur. The psoas major works in conjunction with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas. Together, the function of this muscle group is to flex the hip and aid in lateral rotation. The psoas can also assist the rectus abdominis muscle in flexing the lumbar spine. Acting as a dynamic stabilizer, it also steadies the lumbar region during movement and maintains proper alignment. This muscle, along with other core muscles, can assist in maintaining erect posture and pelvic alignment. The psoas muscle has a similar attachment near the respiratory diaphragm. Tension in the psoas muscle can therefore affect breathing patterns, and vice versa. The iliacus muscle travels inferiorly and joins with the psoas major muscle near the hip joint. The origin of this muscle is the iliac fossa, and it inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur. The iliacus muscle and the psoas major muscle work together to flex the hip and aid in lateral rotation of the hip. The iliacus can also help maintain stability of the lumbar spine, as well as proper alignment

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