Brief Overview
The Tensor fascia lata is a small fusiform muscle that, with some variance, tapers at the ends.
Origin – the anterior lip of the crest of the ilium
Insertion – lateral, condyle of the tibia via the IT band
Function – stabilizes the hip and knee, weak hip flexor and medial rotator
Detailed Origin / Insertion
The TFL is surrounded by two major fascial sections of the iliotibial tract. It attaches with the IT band along the iliac crest. As the muscle descends along the thigh, it tapers. The superior surface is anchored to a thick superficial section of the IT band. The deep surface is also veneered by a thick section of the IT band. The muscle tapers as the two sections of the IT band come together and eventually fuse into a thick band along the lateral thigh. This band eventually attaches to the lateral tibial condyle.
Detailed Function
The TFL tenses the fascia lata. This stabilizes the hip joint by keeping the head of the femur in the acetabulum. It is instrumental in pelvic stability while standing.
It is generally agreed to be a medial rotator and important in stabilizing the thigh during external rotation.
Although it is considered to be a weak abductor, it is active in walking. Like the gluteus medius, it pulls the front corner of the hip down on the weight-bearing leg. This stabilizes the other hip so that the leg does not drag as it swings forward.
It is active as a phasic muscle while standing. It is very active in sports, like cycling and skiing. It is a key component in the treatment of IT band syndrome or Runner’s knee.
The iliotibial tract (IT band) invests the tensor fascia lata and tenses the fascia to stabilize the knee. This post discusses the structure of the IT band in more detail.
Related Posts
SBS – Strain, Right Shift and Shear
FrontoMax 45 – Craniosacral – Facial Mobilizations
FrontoMax 45 – CranioMuscular Techniques
Neuromuscular Protocol – Iliotibial Band
Self Care – Kneeling Stretch for Hip Flexors
Pain Along Side of Thigh, Sometimes to Front of Ankle
Tingling and Numbness in the Upper Thigh
Self Care – Tensor Fascia Lata – Pain or tingling along side of the thigh
Tensor Fascia Lata – Massage Therapy Notes
Tensor Fascia Lata – Neuromuscular Massage Protocol
Tensor Fascia Lata (TFL) – Functional Anatomy
Iliotibial Tract and Fascia Lata – Functional Anatomy
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Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sees clients. He has written materials and instructed classes since the mid-90s. This includes anatomy, trigger points, cranial, and neuromuscular.
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