What action does the tensor fasciae latae muscle perform?
The TFL is an accessory knee flexor, though its action is only seen once the knee is flexed beyond 30 degrees. Furthermore, it works with the IT band to stabilize the knee when it is in full extension. It also acts via the IT band in the lateral rotation of the tibia.
Is the tensor fasciae latae a hip flexor?
The Tensor Fasciae Latae, or TFL to its friends, is a small muscle in the outside front of the hips that works very, very hard. The TFL is a multi-tasker. It does hip flexion, hip abduction, internal rotation, and it even internally rotates the lower leg through its attachment to the IT band.
How do you treat a TFL injury?
Stretching is ideal for pain relief; begin by placing your good hip in the opposing direction of the TFL to stretch. For successful results, the client should be laying the strain on a massage ball (or even a tennis ball), moving the ball along the TFL until the strained area is evident.
What causes TFL injury?
In cases of excessive running, there is an overload of the TFL leading to swelling of the attachment – also called enthesopathy. Also, we think that weakness in the other muscles of the pelvis (such as the glutes or hip flexor) leads to more load on the TFL muscle.
How is tensor fasciae latae pain diagnosed?
On a plinth, the patient lies supine, with the untested leg held in hip flexion. The tested leg is then forced into extension and adduction. If the tested leg is unable to attain a horizontal alignment and is held in flexion and/or abduction, this is indicative of tightness in the TFL.
How do you relax tensor fasciae latae?
1. Lying Abductor Stretch
- Lie down on your side then brace yourself using your hand.
- Bring your outer leg up and plant your foot on the ground with your toes facing away from you.
- Lean your hips into the extended leg to get a good stretch in the TFL.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
- Switch sides.
- Repeat 2-3 reps.