Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)

The Tensor Fasciae Latae is a muscle of the Gluteal Region.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the anterior surface of the iliac crest and the anterior superior iliac spine.
• Insertion: Attaches to the medial 1/3 to 1/2 of the thigh along the iliotibial tract.

Action: Flexes, abducts, and medially rotates the thigh.

Synergist:  

• Prime Movers: Iliopsoas, Pectineus, Adductor brevis, Sartorius.
• Accessory Movers: Adductor longus and magnus (anterior part), Gracilis, Gluteus minimus.

Antagonist: Gluteus maximus, Adductor magnus (posterior part).

Click for Abduction Muscle Test 

Click for Internal Rotation Muscle Test 

Nerve Supply: Superior Gluteal Nerve (L4, L5, S1).

Vascular supply: Lateral femoral circumflex and superior gluteal arteries.

• Primary: The pain refers in the area of the head of the femur and the anterior lateral aspect of the thigh, this occasionally reaches the knee.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Gluteus minimus, Rectus femoris, Iliopsoas, Sartorius, Quadratus lumborum

Click on a small image to view an enlarged image

Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Pain in the hip region around the trochanteric region, extreme pain during hip movement, inability to lie on the side of dysfunction.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Prolonged sitting, walking or running on uneven ground, sleeping in a tight fetal position, trauma from jumping e.g. landing with a parachute or jumping off the tailgate of a truck.

Differential Diagnosis: Trochanteric bursitis, Iliotibial tract friction syndrome, Sacroiliitis, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) L2, L3, or L4 Radiculopathy or Neuropathy, Peripheral Nerve entrapment (this mimics symptoms of TFL triggers), Meralgia paresthetica (Bernhardt’s Disease), Bone cancer, Bone Fracture, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), Polymyalgia rheumatica, Fibromyalgia, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Pregnancy, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

Back to Top