Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

48 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

while standing and moving. Along with the psoas major, these two muscles are considered part of the deep core muscles, assisting with stability of the torso and engagement of the core. The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a muscle located on the lateral aspect of the hip and thigh. This small, triangular muscle originates from the anterior part of the iliac crest just posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The TFL then inserts into the iliotibial band (IT band), a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. The iliotibial band is a thickening of a tissue called the fascia latae. The actions of the TFL are to flex, medially rotate and abduct the hip joint. Some experts surmise that the TFL tightens the fascia latae to provide stability for the knee. The TFL may play a role in stabilizing the hip joint during single-leg support or weight-bearing activities. This muscle may be active during activities involving hip and knee movements, such as walking, running or climbing stairs. The hamstring muscles are a group of three muscles located on the posterior thigh. These muscles include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. • The long head of the biceps femoris originates from the ischial tuberosity, and the short head originates from the linea aspera of the femur. They merge together and insert into the head of the fibula. The function of the bicep femoris is to flex and laterally rotate the flexed knee joint and extend the hip joint. • The origin of the semitendinosus is on the ischial tuberosity and the insertion is on the semitendinosus are to flex and medially rotate the flexed knee joint and extend the hip joint. • The origin of the semimembranosus is on the ischial tuberosity. It inserts on the posterior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia. Its actions include flexion and medial rotation of the flexed knee joint, as well as extension of the hip joint. The hamstring muscles play an important role in walking by helping to extend the hip and proximal, medial shaft of the tibia at the pes anserinus tendon. The actions of the

flex the knee during the swing phase of the gait cycle. During the swing phase, the hamstring muscle contracts to pull the leg posteriorly and prepare it for the next step. As the foot strikes the ground, the hamstrings then help to slow down the anterior movement of the thigh and control the knee as it flexes. This is important for maintaining balance and stability during the stance phase of walking. If the hamstring muscles are tight or weak, they may not be able to perform these functions effectively, which can lead to altered gait patterns and increased risk of injury. 5,6 Collectively, the hamstring muscles play an important role in many movements, including running, jumping and walking. They are particularly important for activities that involve sprinting or explosive movements, as they help to generate power and speed. The quadriceps , also known as the quadriceps femoris, is a group of four muscles located on the front of the thigh. They include the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis. • The rectus femoris is the only muscle of the quadriceps group that crosses both the hip and knee joints. It originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine of the pelvis and runs down the front of the thigh to insert to the tibial tuberosity via the patella and patellar ligament. In addition to knee extension, this muscle also assists in hip flexion. • The vastus lateralis is the largest and most lateral muscle of the quadriceps and originates from the lateral lip of the linea aspera and inserts to the tibial tuberosity (via the patella and patellar ligament). This muscle primarily contributes to knee extension. • The vastus medialis is located on the inner side of the thigh, just above the knee, and also originates from the medial lip of the linea aspera, with its insertion on the tibial tuberosity via the patella and patellar ligament. The vastus medialis assists in knee extension. • The vastus intermedius is a deep muscle located between the vastus lateralis and

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