Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

Winter 2025 • 41

(Left) The soleus (Right) The hallucis longus

• Popliteus : Originates from the lateral condyle of the femur and inserts on the posterior surface of the tibia. Assists in unlocking the knee by rotating the femur on the tibia during flexion. • Gastrocnemius : Originates from the medial and lateral condyles of the femur and inserts on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. Flexes the knee and plantar flexes the ankle. • Soleus : Originates from the upper fibula and tibia and inserts on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. Primarily plantar flexes the ankle and provides postural support when standing. • Tibialis anterior : Originates from the lateral condyle and shaft of the tibia and inserts on the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform. Dorsiflexes the ankle and inverts the foot. • Peroneus longus and brevis : Originate from the fibula and inserts on the first metatarsal (longus) and fifth metatarsal (brevis). They evert the foot and assist in plantar flexion. • Flexor digitorum longus : Originates from the posterior surface of the tibia and inserts on the distal phalanges of the toes. Flexes the toes and assists in plantar flexion. • Flexor hallucis longus : Originates from the posterior fibula and inserts on the distal phalanx of the big toe. Flexes the big toe and assists in plantar flexion. • Extensor digitorum longus : Originates from the lateral condyle of the tibia and the anterior surface of the fibula, inserting on the distal

phalanges of the toes. Extends the toes and dorsiflexes the ankle. • Extensor hallucis longus : Originates from the anterior fibula and inserts on the distal phalanx of the big toe. Extends the big toe and dorsiflexes the ankle. The lower body’s role in the development and management of tech neck syndrome is often underestimated but plays a critical part in maintaining overall postural alignment. Weakness in key muscle groups, such as the hip flexors and gluteals, can lead to pelvic instability and altered posture, increasing the stress placed on the cervical spine and worsening overall symptoms. Prolonged sitting further contributes to these imbalances and weakens the lower body, promoting poor posture. Sitting with a slouched posture while using mobile devices is particularly problematic and, over time, can result in greater cervical spine flexion and significant if insidioius postural strain. The anatomy of the hip, knee, ankle, lumbar spine and SI joints all interconnect to support proper spinal alignment. Any dysfunction or misalignment in these areas can lead to compensatory changes in posture, which in turn contribute to tech neck symptoms. Muscle imbalances throughout the mid-back, torso, hips and lower body must be carefully assessed, as weakened or over-contracted

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