Muscles that Abduct the Femur
at the Acetabulofemoral (Hip)
Joint
Primary Hip Abductors
• Gluteus Medius
• Gluteus Minimus
• Tensor Fascia Latae
Primary Hip Abductors
• The hip abductors prevent adduction
of the hip
• The hip abductors prevent the pelvis
from falling when standing on the
same leg
• If the hip abductors were too weak
they would allow the opposite side of
the pelvis to drop
Gluteus Medius
Origin
•
External surface of Ilium
between anterior and
posterior gluteal line
Insertion
•
Greater Trochanter of
Femur
Action
1. Abduction of Femur
(entire muscle) (frontal
plane and transverse
plane)
2. Medially/Internal
Rotation of Femur
(anterior fibers)
3. Lateral Rotation of
Femur (posterior fibers)
4. Depression of Pelvis
Gluteus Medius
• Depression of the pelvis is its most
important action.
• When one foot is lifted off the floor
(walking and running) The gluteus
medius contracts to stabilize the pelvis
and prevent sagging on the unsupported
limb.
• When the left muscles are contracted,
the right side is prevented from sagging
as the right limb is raised during walking.
Gluteus Medius
• Stand and rock your weight back and
forth from one foot to the other while
palpating both gluteus muscles
• The gluteus medius on the support
side (the side that you are bearing
your weight on) will be felt as it
contracts
Gluteus Minimus
Origin
• External Surface of Ilium
between anterior and
inferior gluteal lines
Insertion
• Greater Trochanter of
Femur
Action
1. Abduction of Femur
2. Medial/Internal Rotation
of Femur
3. Depression of Pelvis
Gluteus Minimus
• Gluteus minimus is deep to
gluteus medius
• As with gluteus medius, pelvic
depression is its most important
action
Gluteus Medius and Minimus
• Integrated Function:
– Assists in eccentric deceleration of hip
adduction
– Assists in eccentric deceleration of hip
lateral rotation
– Assists in dynamic stabilization of the
lumbo-pelvic hip complex
Tensor Fascia Latae
The name tells us that
this muscle “tenses”
the fascia that lies over
the muscles of the
thigh
Origin
• Anterior Superior Iliac
Spine and Anterior Part
of Iliac Crest
Insertion
• Iliotibial Band which
attaches to the Lateral
Condyle of Tibia
Tensor Fascia Latae
Action
1. Abduction of Femur
2. Medial Rotation of Femur
3. Flexion of Femur
4. Anterior Tilt of Pelvis
5. Depression of Pelvis
Tensor Fascia Latae
• Integrated Function:
– Assists in eccentric deceleration of hip
adduction
– Assists in eccentric deceleration of hip
extension
– Assists in eccentric deceleration of hip
lateral rotation
– Assists in dynamic stabilization of the
lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and the tibiofemoral joint
Tensor Fascia Latae
• There are two muscles that attach
into the iliotibial band, the tensor
fascia latae and gluteus maximus
• Tensor Fascia Latae stabilizes the
knee laterally. It prevents collapse of
extended knee in ambulation.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
• The main problem occurs when the
tensor fasciae latae muscle and
iliotibial band become tight.
• This causes the tendon to pull the knee
joint out of alignment and rub against
the outside of the knee, which results in
inflammation and pain.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
• Is the most common cause of lateral knee pain among
athletes
– In the US: ITBS is the most common cause of lateral
knee pain in runners with some studies citing an
incidence as high as 12% of all running-related injuries
• Develops as a result of inflammation of the bursa
surrounding the iliotibial band.
• Generally affects athletes who are involved in sports that
require continuous running or repetitive knee flexion and
extension such as long-distance running or cycling.
• May be observed in athletes participating in volleyball,
tennis, soccer, skiing, weight lifting, and aerobics.
Causation of ITBS
Overload:
• Exercising on hard surfaces, like concrete, or uneven ground
• Beginning an exercise program after a long lay-off period
• Increasing exercise intensity or duration too quickly
• Exercising in worn out or ill fitting shoes
• Excessive uphill or downhill running
Biomechanical errors:
• Leg length differences
• Tight, stiff muscles in the leg
• Muscle imbalances
• Foot structure problems such as flat feet
• Gait, or running style problems such as pronation
Treatment of ITBS
Short Term:
• Decrease mileage
• Ice knee after activity. Massage.
• Alternate running direction on a pitched surface
• Lateral sole wedge (orthotics) to lessen pressure on
the knee
• Stretching glutes and TFL Muscles
Long Term:
• Stretching, especially before working out, to make the
band more flexible and less susceptible to injury.
• In extreme cases, surgery to relieve tightness in the
band
Resistance Band Hip Abduction
Standing SB Hip Abductor
• Maintain neutral spine
Side Plank with Hip Abduction
• Activate the core by
drawing in
• Start in a side plank
position
• Straighten the top leg
into triple extension (at
hip, knee, and ankle).
• Perform side bridge and
HOLD, then move top
leg slowly into abduction
and adduction.
• Watch for external
rotation in the top leg
and for flexion of the
hips… if noticed may
need more stretching or
more cueing
Standing Abductor Straight Leg
Stretch
Benefits :
•
• Increased function
and ROM of the
lateral hip
• Preparation :
• Stand as pictured with
stretching leg crossed
in behind.
• Movement :
• Laterally flex away
from stretching leg
until stretch is felt,
hold for 20-30
seconds, repeat 2-3
times.
Supine Abductor Stretch Straight
Leg with Rope
• Benefits :
• Increased function
and ROM of the hip
abductors
• Preparation :
• Position rope/band
around the forefoot.
• Movement :
• Use rope to adduct
leg until stretch is felt,
hold for 20-30
seconds, relax and
repeat 2-3 reps.
Assisted Supine Abductor Stretch
Straight Leg
• Benefits :
• Increased function
and ROM of the
lateral hip
musculature.
• Movement :
• Instruct person to
actively adduct the
leg as far as can be
controlled, once at the
endpoint, gently
assist a few degrees
further, hold for 20-30
sec seconds, relax,
and repeat for 2-3
reps.
• Lay on your side with a
NEUTRAL SPINE.
• This means hips stacked,
shoulders stacked, and
something under the
head to keep cervical
neutral.
• Maintaining neutral spine,
and legs straight,
EXTERNALLY ROTATE
the entire top leg.
• Generate ALL motion
from the HIP allowing no
compensation/movement
anywhere else in the
body.
• Hold at end range briefly,
return to starting position
and repeat.
• 1 set of 5-10 reps.
Abductor Rollup