Gracilis

Pointer Plus The Pointer Plus is an easy to use trigger point (TP) locator which incorporates a push button stimulation feature to immediately treat Trigger point pain.

The Gracilis is a muscle of the medial thigh.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the inferior 1/2 of the symphysis pubis and the superior 1/2 of the pubic arch.
• Insertion: Attaches to the superior part of the medial surface of the tibia distal to the condyle.

Action: Flexes and medially rotates the leg and adducts the thigh.

Synergist:

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

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

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Nerve Supply: Obturator Nerve (L2, L3, L4).

Vascular supply: Profunda femoris, obturator and medial femoral circumflex arteries.

• Primary: A stinging or burning type of pain is elicited by triggers in this muscle, with the referral pattern covering the medial aspect of the thigh from the groin to the knee.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Sartorius and occasionally the other Adductor muscles.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Stinging or burning pain in the medial thigh, which is constant at rest. Changing positions does not appear to ameliorate the discomfort.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Abrupt overload of the muscle, such as a sudden abduction of the thighs when performing a split.

Differential Diagnosis: Hip joint disease, Pubic stress symphysitis, Obturator nerve entrapment, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) L2 L3 or L4 radiculopathy, Sprain/Strain of the thigh or knee, Pulled groin, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Fibromyalgia, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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