1. Muscles that Abduct the Femur at the Acetabulofemoral (Hip) Joint

2. Gluteus Medius Gluteus Minimus Tensor Fascia Latae
Primary Hip Abductors
Gluteus Medius
Gluteus Minimus
Tensor Fascia Latae

3. 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

4. Gluteus Medius
Origin
External surface of Ilium between anterior and posterior gluteal line
Insertion
Greater Trochanter of Femur
Action
Abduction of Femur (entire muscle) (frontal plane and transverse plane)
Medially/Internal Rotation of Femur (anterior fibers)
Lateral Rotation of Femur (posterior fibers)
Depression of Pelvis

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Gluteus Minimus Origin
External Surface of Ilium between anterior and inferior gluteal lines
Insertion
Greater Trochanter of Femur
Action
Abduction of Femur
Medial/Internal Rotation of Femur
Depression of Pelvis

8. Gluteus Minimus Gluteus minimus is deep to gluteus medius
As with gluteus medius, pelvic depression is its most important action

9. 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

10. 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

11. Tensor Fascia Latae Action Abduction of Femur Medial Rotation of Femur
Flexion of Femur
Anterior Tilt of Pelvis
Depression of Pelvis

12. 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 tibio-femoral joint

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. Resistance Band Hip Abduction

19. Standing SB Hip Abductor

20. Side Plank with Hip Abduction
Maintain neutral spine
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

21. 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 seconds, repeat 2-3 times.

22. 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.

23. 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 sec seconds, relax, and repeat for 2-3 reps.

24. Abductor Rollup 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.