Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

40 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

(Left) The gluteal muscles (Right) The quadriceps femoris

tract (IT band). Assists in hip abduction, internal rotation and flexion, as well as stabilizing the knee through tension on the IT band. • Adductors (adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, pectineus, gracilis) : Originate from various points on the pubis and ischium and insert on the medial femur. They adduct the thigh and assist in stabilizing the pelvis. • Six deep external rotators (piriformis, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, obturator internus, obturator externus, quadratus femoris) : Originate from the pelvis and sacrum and insert on or near the greater trochanter of the femur. They externally rotate the hip and stabilize the hip joint. Leg Muscles: • Quadriceps group (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius) : Originate from the femur and pelvis and insert on the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. They extend the knee and, in the case of rectus femoris, flex the hip. • Hamstrings group (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) : Originate from the ischial tuberosity and insert on the tibia and fibula. They flex the knee and extend the hip. • Sartorius : Originates from the anterior superior iliac spine and inserts on the medial tibia. Flexes and abducts the hip joint.

linea alba. Works together with the external obliques for trunk rotation, lateral flexion and abdominal compression. • Diaphragm : Originates from the xiphoid process, costal cartilages and lumbar vertebrae and inserts on the central tendon of the diaphragm. Plays a crucial role in respiration and maintaining intra-abdominal pressure, which affects core stability. Hips and Pelvis: • Iliopsoas (psoas major and iliacus) : The psoas major originates from the lumbar vertebrae (T12–L5), and the iliacus originates from the iliac fossa of the pelvis. Both insert on the lesser trochanter of the femur. They flex the hip joint and contribute to anterior pelvic tilt, which affects lumbar lordosis. • Gluteus maximus : Originates from the ilium, sacrum and coccyx and inserts on the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur. Extends and externally rotates the hip and helps stabilize the pelvis. • Gluteus medius and minimus : Both originate from the outer surface of the ilium and insert on the greater trochanter of the femur. They abduct the hip and play a critical role in maintaining pelvic stability during walking and standing. • Tensor fasciae latae : Originates from the anterior iliac crest and inserts into the iliotibial

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