Muscles
Tensor fasciae latae
Flexes, abducts and internally rotates the hip; tensions the IT band.
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
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction