The Tensor Fascia Lata Muscle and Iliotibial Band’s Influence on Back and Hip Pain

What is the Tensor Fascia Lata Muscle?

The Tensor Fascia Lata (TFL) is a small muscle located on the lateral aspect of the hip and is a contributing factor to hip and back pain for many people. Its connection with the iliotibial band (IT), a fibrous length of tissue connecting the top of the hip iliac crest to the lateral knee, enables leg and hip movements, especially hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation. The Nerve innervation to this muscle is from the lower lumbar spine levels through its connections with the gluteus muscles and TFL muscles via the superior and inferior gluteal nerves.

Back pain of various types, as well as gluteal muscle tightness and weakness, can affect the TFL. Additionally, tightness and injury to the TFL muscle itself can impact back discomfort through the feedback loop, as well as affect knee, hip, and pelvic stability. Athletic activities such as running and cycling are associated with injury to the TFL. Additionally, an injury or imbalance in this small muscle affects everyday balance and even activities like stopping, entering, or exiting a car. At Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill, Dr. Oskardmay utilizes skills in chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture to diagnose and treat the many causes and ramifications of TFL and IT band syndrome. Treatment for this condition could include deep tissue massage, cupping therapy, stretching, or acupuncture to the muscle itself. Additional treatment may consist of spinal mobilization of affected vertebral segments that impact the IT and TFL, as well as postural rehabilitation exercises to restore balanced body kinetics.

Injury of the TFL and IT Band can happen with overuse of this crucial lower extremity muscle. Repetitive knee extension and flexion with activities like hiking, running, and cycling stress the muscle as the IT band rubs repeatedly against the bones of the knee. Poor balance, exercise form, and lack of exercise preparation increase the likelihood of injury. Additionally, anatomical factors such as leg length discrepancies and other variations in posture impact the TFL and IT band, especially in young men who are particularly prone to injury of the IT band. However, it can affect anyone of any age. Importantly, attention to good footwear is paramount to avoid imbalance, which impacts this muscle tissue duo, as well. We educate patients on modifying their daily activities to prevent future IT band and TFL injuries.

Be sure to inform Dr. Oskardmay of the sports activities you perform, as well as any previous injuries sustained, as these will help her understand the impact on the TFL and IT band. Tell her about daily activities such as the amount of time spent sitting, standing, or doing repetitive activities at work and home, too. Using muscle palpation and physical examination, Dr. Oskardmay will determine regions of tightness and potential imbalance in the TFL muscle and IT band and other areas, as well as regions of spinal nerve impairment affecting the lower extremity and connected areas.

Call today at (919) 929-1400 or visit our website at acudocnc.com to learn how gentle, effective chiropractic and acupuncture treatment at our office can help you. Whether with chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, or other alternative medicine treatments available at our office, we are here for you. Serving the Triangle since 1995, Acupractic Natural Healing Center.