Muscles
Vastus lateralis
Extends the knee; largest of the quadriceps.
Overview
Extends the knee; largest of the quadriceps. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Lateral thigh from femur to patella.
Referred pain pattern
Lateral knee and along the IT band; can also lock the patella.
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, sustained sitting.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Foam roll lateral thigh, gait retraining. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction