Muscles
Vastus intermedius
Extends the knee; lies deep to rectus femoris.
Overview
Extends the knee; lies deep to rectus femoris. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Deep anterior thigh.
Referred pain pattern
Anterior thigh ache during stairs.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Cycling, running, prolonged extension load.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Quad mobility, eccentric loading. Clinically: needling through the rectus.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction