Muscles

Tensor fasciae latae

Flexes, abducts and internally rotates the hip; tensions the IT band.

Referred pain map

Tensor fasciae latae — trigger point on the antero-lateral hip just below the iliac crest with referred pain filling the antero-lateral thigh and tapering toward the lateral knee — a common source of 'lateral hip pain' and IT band–like symptoms in runners and prolonged sitters, frequently misdiagnosed as trochanteric bursitis.

Overview

Flexes, abducts and internally rotates the hip; tensions the IT band. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Anterolateral hip just below the iliac crest.

Referred pain pattern

Lateral hip and thigh, into the lateral knee — common in runners.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Prolonged sitting with hip flexion, running, cycling.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Stretching, glute activation, gait retraining. Clinically: needling and IT-band-related work.

Symptoms commonly linked

Hip pain
Lateral knee pain
Greater trochanteric pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction