Muscles / Hips
Tensor fasciae latae
- Hips
- Hip & gluteal
- Superficial layer
Also called TFL, tensor fascia lata.
Anatomy
- Origin
- Anterior superior iliac spine and anterior iliac crest
- Insertion
- Iliotibial tract to the lateral condyle of the tibia (Gerdy tubercle)
- Nerve
- Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1)
Actions
- Abducts, medially rotates and flexes the hip
- Tenses the fascia lata; helps stabilise the extended knee
Also trained by
Side-lying hip abduction
Clamshell
Lateral band walk (resisted side-stepping)
Resisted hip flexion (standing march)
Notes
- Clam, sidestep, unilateral bridge and quadruped hip extension recruit the gluteals with relatively little TFL.
References (5)
- Selkowitz DM, Beneck GJ, Powers CM. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(2):54-64. Which exercises target the gluteal muscles while minimizing activation of the tensor fascia lata? Electromyographic assessment using fine-wire electrodes
- Standring S, ed. Elsevier. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, et al. OpenStax (free, openly licensed textbook). Anatomy and Physiology 2e