We usually call this long muscle with long name TFL. TFL is short for tensor fasciae latae. It’s a surface muscle and easy to be accessed by manual therapists such as remedial massage therapist. When our clients have a problem with this muscle, they tend to say they have pain symptom on their hip, lower back or leg. It tends to create constant ache and disturb their sleep.

It’s not difficult to get rid of this pain symptom if you find a good remedial massage therapist.

The tensor fasciae latae muscle is one of the key muscles when it comes to the balance and stability of the pelvis when standing, walking and even running. It is located in the thigh and is related to the gluteus maximus.

The muscle arises from iliac crest, more precisely from the anterior part of its outer lip. It also arises from the outer part of the anterior superior iliac spine as well as, in part, from the outer border of the notch below it.

The tensor fascia latae also arises from the deep surface of the fascia lata. This fascinating muscle is inserted between the two layers of the iliotibial band belonging to the fascia lata at the middle or upper part of the thigh. The muscle helps tense the iliotibial band while also bracing the knee. The final insertion is on the lateral condyle of the tibia.

The tensor fascia latae muscle has a very complex and interesting innervation system. It is mainly innervated by the superior gluteal nerve L5 and S1. The superior gluteal nerve exits the pelvis area by greater sciatic foramen superior towards the piriformis. The superior gluteal nerve is associated mostly with motor innervation and as such there is no innervation for sensation. It rises from the sacral plexus.

The main role of the tensor fascia latae is to help move the hip outward and forward. This flexor and abductor muscle also has a role in rotating the hip inward. Due to the numerous movements it is required to help perform, the tensor fascia latae is one of the quickest muscles to tighten up in this part of the body. While stretching exercises can help the muscle grow in length the muscle is often cited as a source for knee pain or lateral meniscus pain and other issues.

The fascia latae muscle’s fibers are placed in an oblique direction, allowing the muscle to stabilize the hip when it comes to extensions thus helping the gluteus maximus. The muscle is a tensor of the fascia lata which is basically a coat of fibers that surrounds the thigh binding all the muscle structure found there.

The fascia lata combines several tendons fom the gluteus maximus with the tensor fasciae latae on the lateral surface to make the iliotibial band. The iliotibial band stretches from the iliac crest to the lateral condyle of the tibia.

The tensor fascia latae as well as the fascia lata help steady several parts of the body, both in numerous positions. The pelvis is stabilized on the head of the femur thanks to the iliotibial band. The condyles of the femur are also stabilized on the articular surfaces of the tibia thanks to the fascia latae. The muscle also helps the gluteus maximus support the knee in an extended position.

The internal rotation of the tibia is also a movement which is helped by the tensor fascia latae muscle. The same muscle, along with the gluteus minimus and medius help abduct and rotate the femur.

The tensor fascia latae is a key muscle when it comes to walking correctly. It is heavily used for other activities as well. These include riding horses, bicycles or motorcycles as well as skiing. The muscle can sometimes be tightened or shortened and can thus cause a series of problems which result in pain to the hips, lower back as well as the knees.

The easiest way to determine any possible injury or affliction of the tensor fascia latae muscle is by raising the leg opposite to the suspected injury. The tensor fascia latae is immediately activated and tries to maintain balance thus showing any possible injury or weakness in the hip or knee. The most often met injury when pain is felt in the hip and knee is a tensor fascia latae strain.

When it comes to how the muscle produces pain, the first step is a longer period of tightening which can vary from individual to individual. Then, myofascial trigger points tend to appear which can have to do with pain in the hip, groin, buttocks or other parts of the leg.

A more serious contraction of the tensor fascia latae muscle will result in a strain on other muscles due to altered joint movement. Some of the most often met cases of this strain are in the gluteal or piriformis muscles. In this case pain is often felt in the groin, in the hip joint, around the outer hip, in the gluteal muscles, in the sacroiliac joint or in numerous other parts of the leg.

One important reason for problems and pain in the tensor fascia latae muscle is the femoris muscle, more precisely weakness in said muscle. This muscle along with the top quadriceps muscle and the front part of the thigh are a second flexor and can often become weak due to excessive tightening and lead to tensor fascia latae problems as well.

If you suspect an issue with your tensor fasciae latae muscles and want to be looked at by a Gold Coast remedial massage therapist, click and visit www.remedialmassage-goldcoast.com.au and discover more useful information.

Pain Relief Massage Clinic
192 Brisbane Road, Arundel Gold Coast QLD 4214 Australia
Phone: (07) 5537 7886