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Thigh and Leg Pain
Thigh and leg pain are common. Did you know that sometimes it can come from muscles that you can least expect? These muscles are uncommon in regards to lower body pain and dysfunction. Watch the video and learn.
There are common muscles associated with thigh and leg pain. For example the Piriformis, when tight can refer pain down the back of the thigh and leg to the heel. It can give Sciatic -like symptoms. This is significant because instead of the Piriformis being targeted during treatment, it is more the lower back.
Another is the Gluteal group, more specifically Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius and Minimus. These muscles can cause either mechanical issue down the chain or referral down the lower extremities, if they are tight.
Finally, another very common disruptor of the lower extremities is the Iliopsoas. The iliopsoas is the most powerful of the hip flexors. This muscle can cause lower back and hip pain. It can also cause issues down the thigh and leg because of mechanical changes in the pelvis.
These are the most common muscles. By the way it is prudent that these muscles receive deeo tissue massage. In particular for those athletes that tend to use their lower bodies when training or for their sport.
These muscles are very thick and require more depth and precision to release them.
Thigh and Leg Pain from other Muscular Sources
Thigh and leg pain can also be a result of these muscles:
- Rectus Femoris: This muscle is part of the Quadriceps group. It can cause pain and discomfort of the knee, thigh and hip. Also, it can cause lower back issues along with the Iliopsoas.
- Sartorius: This muscle runs from the “outside/top” portion of the pelvis. It traverses diagonally attaching the just below the knee on the “inside/top” part of the Tibia (shin bone). This muscle can also cause pain and tightness of the hip, thigh and knee.
- Adductor Longus: Part of the Adductor group. This muscle runs from the pubic area, down to around the mid-part inner thigh bone. When tight it can cause pain and tightness in the groin, inner thigh and knee.
Treatment
Thigh and leg pain, especially from these sources require deeper more aggressive work. They are generally thicker than most muscles. Lighter treatments can help but it can be more shorter term results.
Deeper work can put more of a stretch on these muscles, helping to loosen them. You will find that you are sore after a treatment and at times for a few days. It can be described as a workout-type of soreness.
Although, you can have a muscle that is the primary target. Typically, when we work with muscles that attach to the pelvis and the hips, other muscles require treatment too.
For example, the Rectus Femoris can become very tight causing a compensation of the Hamstrings and the Gluteus Medius muscles. These two muscles need to also be addressed.
The idea is to balance the pelvis by addressing the compensating structures.
When it comes to thigh and leg pain, the therapist has to take a step back. They must assess which muscles are compensating. They also need to determine the best way to address it.
If you are noticing thigh and leg pain, it can be time to contact us. We can discuss your case and treatment.
More Resources:
Learn more about IT Band syndrome with this video and blog. Here is a stretch for discomfort of the hip, thigh and knee. Watch it here.
