TFL Trigger Points - Pain can refer midway down the lateral thigh and will often radiate to the knee.
The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a vitally important structure in providing stability through the knee and pelvis. This muscle is a junction for several chains, including the spiral and lateral chains.
The anteromedial fibers are responsible for flexion of the thigh, while the posterolateral fibers provide stability to the knee.
The tensor fasciae latae assists various muscles, including the gluteus medius and minimus, rectus femoris, iliopsoas, pectineus, and sartorius.
Pain from trigger points in the TFL is typically felt at the level of the greater trochanter in the hip joint, and will often refer to the knee.
Walking and running will typically make the pain more intense.
TFL / ITB Syndrome
Most runners will have heard of the IT band due to the condition ITB syndrome which presents symptoms at the outer knee.
Some people will refer to pain in the outer hip as ITB syndrome, but this is incorrect. TFL dysfunction can contribute towards the development of IT band syndrome, but the symptoms always occur at the knee.
The close association of the TFL with IT band syndrome often leads to pain conditions which stem from the TFL being referred to as TFL Syndrome.
TFL trigger points can also produce excessive tension in the muscle and the iliotibial tract, thereby becoming one of the contributory factors of ITB Syndrome.
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