IPHREHAB :LATERAL HIP / THIGH PAIN,TFL

IPHREHAB

Lateral Hip / Thigh Pain

TFL , Tensor Fascia latae

SYMPTOMS: Pain that begins in the lateral part of the hip OR  thigh and Pelvis,  just lateral and/or inferior to the Anterior Superior Iliac Crest (ASIS) may be one of the most stubborn and difficult pains to treat. At times the referral pattern goes down the lateral thigh and even down as far as the head of the fibula and lateral ankle.

Snap diagnosis might be made for Sciatica but since there is no pain in the post thigh, we should be focusing on two muscles in the hip and not the sciatic nerve or piriformis muscle. The two muscles in question are the Tensor Fascia Lata and (TFL) and the Gluteus Minimus (G Min.) Trigger points in these muscles will refer down the lat thigh and into the lower leg. 

Now if further to differentiate between which muscle is the culprit, instruct and ask the patient if the pain goes into the buttock and or in the lower lateral leg. If it does not cross distal to the knee or hurt in the buttocks it is TFL. To confirm, palpate the TFL just inferior and slightly lateral to the ASIS. While palpating, have the patient internally rotate the thigh which causes the TFL to tense up under your palpating fingers.

Once you have determined that you are right on the belly of TFL, poke sharply and deeply into the belly of the muscle. If the patient complains that this brings on their symptoms, then you have the reason for pain.

 

FOR PROFESSIONAL,PHYSIOTHERAPIST,CLINICAL TECHNIQUE.

RELEASE : now for the release, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS). 

It is Counterstrain for the TFL.

With the patient supine stand on the side of the triggered TFL and gently palpate the trigger point while you:

1. Flex the hip to approximately 90 degrees.

2. Abduct the hip by resting the pt’s knee on your abdomen and sliding it down to the floor until you have 45-60 degrees of hip horizontal abduction.

3. Holding those previous positions, internally rotate the hip slightly by drawing the patient’s foot /ankle to you. You are looking to palpate the belly of the muscle get very soft and relaxed, and when you poke, there is no pain at all. (Patients may even say, you are not on the right spot or
you move your finger because what was a very painful spot just seconds ago is pain free.)

4. Hold this position for approximately 90-120 seconds and then slowly and passively return the patient’s hip back to the table.

5. Poking again should no longer produce any discomfort or at least a 75% reduction in tenderness.

But one have to see if the pain returns. Many times, cycling and running cause this muscle to increase tone. Also, prolonged sitting as well as pelvic asymmetry and leg length difference add to the dysfunction. Lastly, one should check the feet to see if a rear foot and or forefoot varus deformity exist. Any or all of these situations may bring the trigger right back by the time the patient resumes normal activity.