Trapezius Muscle
Trapezius
The trapezius muscle, often referred to as the “traps,” is a large, flat muscle located in the upper back and neck region. Its name derives from its trapezoidal shape, extending from the base of the skull down to the mid-back and across the shoulders. This muscle plays a crucial role in various movements and postures, making it essential for daily activities and overall musculoskeletal health.

Upper Trapezius:
Action: Elevates and retracts the scapula as well as upwardly rotating it.
Origin: Superior Nuchal Line, cranial part of the Nuchal Ligament
Insertion: Superior surface of the later third of the clavicle
Nerve: Accessory Nerve (motor), C3/4 (pain & proprioception)
Middle Trapezius
Action: Retracts the scapula as well as upwardly rotating it.
Origin: Nuchal Ligament, C6-T3 spinous processes
Insertion: Medial acromion process and lateral spine of scapular
Nerve: Accessory Nerve (motor), C3/4 (pain & proprioception)
Lower Trapezius
Action: Depresses and retracts the scapula as well as upwardly rotating it
Origin:T4-12 spinous processes
Insertion: Medial portion of the spine of the scapular
Nerve: Accessory Nerve (motor), C3/4 (pain & proprioception)


The trapezius is divided into three functional regions, each responsible for specific movements. These regions work synergistically to facilitate a range of movements, including shrugging, lifting, and rotating the shoulders and neck.
In the clinic we see a lot of people with muscular tension in the upper back and neck. People will often talk about holding all of their stress/tension in their traps. Mostly related to work ergonomics, being in the same position for an extended period of time or high times of stress.
As you can see in the trigger point chart above, there is a wide region of pain referral when the trapezius is tight. The upper trapezius region is the most common area that becomes a problem for clients that we see. Causing tension headaches through the back of the head and around into the temple. Or muscular discomfort in the area itself.
The mid portion is the next most common area for there to be muscular pain. Feeling it through just medially of the border of the scapula and also closer to the spine, but just a little higher.
Tight chest muscles from a rounded shoulder posture can lengthen the trapezius muscle fibres. Being in a posture for a prolonged period can cause discomfort in the back. For this reason, we often recommend clients do some chest opening exercises and/or stretches to help counteract it.
Managing issues in the Trapezius can involve:
– Myotherapy or Remedial Massage
– Strengthening and conditioning the muscle (video below)
– Self treatment (video below)
– Stretching (video below)
– Reducing stress
– Changing workplace ergonomics
– Movement breaks at work
Stretch
- To stretch the left side, sit up tall, turn your head to the right. Anchor your left hand by sitting on it or let it hang.
- With your right hand on the back of your head, pull your head forward and down on the angle so your nose is close to your armpit.
- Hold for 15-20secs and repeat on the opposite side to stretch the right side.
You want to feel the stretch but it shouldn’t be painful.
Self Treatment
Equipment needed: long towel folded up to about 10cm wide and massage ball.
- Take the folded up towel and put one end on the seat with the rest of it draping over the back of the seat.
- Sit on the towel on the chair to anchor it.
- Reach back and bring the towel over your shoulder to the front of you.
- Place the ball on your upper trap and under the towel.
- Using your hand on the opposite side the ball is, pull down on the towel to create some pressure with the ball.
- You can either hold the ball in one spot and not move or add in a head movement to move the muscle.
- Hold for 15-20secs, you should feel the discomfort lessen, then move the ball onto the next tender spot. Repeat on the opposite side.
Strengthening
Setup:
- Stand on the middle of a resistance band with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the resistance band in each hand, allowing the band to hang down by your sides.
Grip:
- Hold onto the resistance band with a neutral grip, palms facing your body.
Positioning:
- Keep your back straight, chest up, and shoulders relaxed.
- Position your hands so that they’re directly below your shoulders, with the resistance band taut but not stretched.
Shrug Movement:
- Lift your shoulders straight upward toward your ears in a controlled motion.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement to maximize contraction.
Hold and Squeeze:
- Hold the top position of the shrug for a brief moment, focusing on contracting your trapezius muscles.
Lowering Phase:
- Slowly lower your shoulders back down to the starting position, maintaining tension on the resistance band throughout the movement.
- Avoid letting the band snap back down; control the descent to keep tension on your muscles.
Breathing:
- Inhale as you lower your shoulders back down.
- Exhale as you lift your shoulders up into the shrug position.
Before using any of these techniques, it’s safest to consult your local Myotherapist to see if they are suitable for your situation.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience persistent pain, limited range of motion, or discomfort that doesn’t improve with self-care measures, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A Myotherapist or healthcare provider can assess your condition, provide targeted treatments, and guide you through a rehabilitation program tailored to your needs.
Levator Scapulae

Action: Unilaterally
– Elevates the scapula
– Downwardly roatates the scapula
– rotates the head and neck simultaneously
Bilaterally
– Extend the head and neck
Origin: C1 – C4 Transverse Processes
Insertion: Medial Border of scapula
Nerve: cervical nerve (C3-C4) and dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

The levator scapulae muscle is a key player in the complex network of muscles that support the neck and shoulder region. Originating from the upper cervical vertebrae (C1-C4), it extends down diagonally to attach onto the superior angle of the scapula (shoulder blade).
As its name suggests, the primary action of the levator scapulae is to elevate the scapula, or shoulder blade. This muscle is often involved in movements such as shrugging the shoulders or tilting the head to the side. Additionally, it assists in lateral flexion and rotation of the neck.
Despite its importance in providing stability and mobility to the neck and shoulders, the levator scapulae is prone to tightness and overuse, often leading to symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion.
In the clinic we often see people come in with a stiffness feeling in the angle of the neck and down to the attachment with head turning and side bending. This usually a tell tale sign that the levator scapulae is involved.
Stretching, strengthening and self treatment exercises targeting this muscle are commonly prescribed to alleviate discomfort and improve overall function in the neck and shoulder region.
Stretch
- To stretch the left side, sit up tall, turn your head to the right. Anchor your left hand by sitting on it or let it hang.
- With your right hand on the back of your head, pull your head forward and down on the angle so your nose is close to your armpit.
- Hold for 15-20secs and repeat on the opposite side to stretch the right side.
You want to feel the stretch but it shouldn’t be painful.
Self Treatment
Equipment needed: long towel folded up to about 10cm wide and massage ball.
- Take the folded up towel and put one end on the seat with the rest of it draping over the back of the seat.
- Sit on the towel on the chair to anchor it.
- Reach back and bring the towel over your shoulder to the front of you.
- Place the ball on your upper trap and under the towel.
- Using your hand on the opposite side the ball is, pull down on the towel to create some pressure with the ball.
- You can either hold the ball in one spot and not move or add in a head movement to move the muscle.
- Hold for 15-20secs, you should feel the discomfort lessen, then move the ball onto the next tender spot. Repeat on the opposite side.
Strengthening
Setup:
- Stand on the middle of a resistance band with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the resistance band in each hand, allowing the band to hang down by your sides.
Grip:
- Hold onto the resistance band with a neutral grip, palms facing your body.
Positioning:
- Keep your back straight, chest up, and shoulders relaxed.
- Position your hands so that they’re directly below your shoulders, with the resistance band taut but not stretched.
Shrug Movement:
- Lift your shoulders straight upward toward your ears in a controlled motion.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement to maximize contraction.
Hold and Squeeze:
- Hold the top position of the shrug for a brief moment, focusing on contracting your trapezius muscles.
Lowering Phase:
- Slowly lower your shoulders back down to the starting position, maintaining tension on the resistance band throughout the movement.
- Avoid letting the band snap back down; control the descent to keep tension on your muscles.
Breathing:
- Inhale as you lower your shoulders back down.
- Exhale as you lift your shoulders up into the shrug position.
Before using any of these techniques, it’s safest to consult your local Myotherapist to see if they are suitable for your situation.
Gluteus Minimus

Action – abduction of hip
flexion and medial rotation of hip (anterior fibres)
extension and lateral rotation of hip (posterior fibres)
stabilises the pelvis and prevents the free limb from sagging during gait
Origin – outer ilium (between anterior and inferior gluteal lines)
Insertion – greater trochanter on the femur (anterior surface)
Nerve – Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1)


Gluteus minimus lies below gluteus medius and is therefore difficult to feel. It has essentially the
same function as gluteus medius. (which is why we have included the medius videos below.)
The muscle plays a key role in normal gait (walking or running) by stabilising the pelvis when the
opposite leg is off the ground. If weak, the pelvis can drop towards the opposite side in what is
known as a ‘Trendelenburg gait’.
Gluteus minimus can be injured from falling, blunt trauma such as those experienced in contact
sports, repetitive stress from hip extension activities or long periods sitting or sleeping in one
position. Pain in the region should be differentiated from other pathologies such as trochanteric
bursitis, lumbar, sacroiliac or hip joint dysfunction, or trigger point referral from muscles in the low
back.
Trigger points in gluteus minimus have a large referral pattern, and the discomfort caused is often
called ‘pseudo-sciatica’ because of the similar sensation and location of the pain. Anecdotally we have found that clients would usually describe the sensation as an ache (tooth ache) feeling rather than a sharp shooting pain if it was muscular rather than impingement of the sciatic nerve at the spine.
If you think you may have an issue with your gluteus minimus, consult your local Myotherapist for an assessment of your specific situation.
Strengthening
Lie on your side with the lower leg slightly bent, top leg straight with toes pointed slightly towards
the floor. Raise the straight top leg as far as possible (it may only be 20-30 degrees), pause and
slowly lower back down.
Stretching
Lie on your back, knees bent and feet on the ground. Place the ankle of the side to be stretched to
just above the knee of the opposite leg, then use your hands to pull this opposite leg towards your
chest. You should feel the stretch on the side/back of the hip that is being stretched.
Self Treatment
Laying on the side you want to work on. Propped up on your forearm with your bottom knee bent and your top foot on the floor just behind your bent knee.
Place the ball on the floor underneath your gluteus minimus and lower yourself onto the ball. Roll on the ball until you find a tender spot. Once on a tender spot, hold there. Do some nice breathing into the belly. Let your body sink onto the ball. (You can adjust the pressure using your forearm and the foot on the floor) After about 20 secs or so you should feel the discomfort start to subside. Once this happens, move onto the next tender spot.
Contributors: Ben Lewis & Jesse Kingsbury
Semimembranosus

Action – flexion of knee, extension of hip
medial rotation of knee (tibia) when knee is flexed
Origin – ischial tuberosity
Insertion – medial tibial condyle (posterior medial aspect)
Nerve – sciatic nerve, tibial division (L5, S1, S2)

Semimembranosus is one of three hamstring muscles. It is medial (towards the inside of your thigh) and lies below another hamstring muscle – semitendinosus. It can be felt when tensing the hamstrings deep to the semitendinosus tendon.
Semimembranosus is the largest hamstring muscle. In some people the distal fibres blend into the proximal fibres of the gastrocnemius medial head.
The hamstring group are used when walking, running or lifting from the ground with straight legs. Semimembranosus also plays an important role in knee stability.
Injury or dysfunction in the semimembranosus muscle can cause pain or discomfort in the back of the thigh, lower buttock or inner knee regions, and sometimes can be associated with low back pain. Common injuries include hamstring strains/tears, particularly when performing ballistic activity (sprinting, kicking, hurdling) without proper warm-up.
Hip or knee joint pain referral or nerve related pain, may need to be differentiated from injury to the hamstrings. Consult your local Myotherapist to help with differentiating.
Strengthening
Standing upright with feet shoulder width apart, hold a barbell, kettlebell or pair of dumbbells of an appropriate weight with an overhand grip in front of your thighs with straight arms. With knees slightly bent and keeping a straight back, hinge forward at the hips and lower the weights while keeping them close to your legs until about the mid shin level. Pause, then squeeze your glutes to bring the hips forward and return to the starting upright position.
Stretching
Sitting on the ground with one leg out in front and the other bent out to the side. With your foot on the inside of the straight legs knee. Lean forward (keeping a straight/neutral back) to feel a nice stretch down the back of the straight leg.
Rotate legs outwards to favour the medial hamstrings (semitendinosus and semimembranosus). You can use a towel to make the stretch stronger.
Self Treatment
Sitting on a firm table or chair with your legs hanging off the edge. Place a ball under your right hamstring, where you feel it is tight. Slowly lift your foot, extending your knee a few times. Then move the ball onto the next tender spot along the muscle. Alternatively, not extending the knee, you can use your hands and body weight to push your thigh onto the ball with more pressure. When you feel the discomfort dissipate, move onto the next spot.
Semitendinosus

Action – flexion of knee, extension of hip
medial rotation of knee (tibia) when knee is flexed
Origin – ischial tuberosity
Insertion – proximal anterior medial tibia (pes anserine)
Nerve – sciatic nerve, tibial division (L5, S1, S2)
Semitendinosus is one of three hamstring muscles. It is medial (towards the inside of your thigh) and lies on top of another hamstring muscle – semimembranosus. It has quite a long tendon to the insertion which can be easily felt when tensing the hamstrings, toward the inner part of the lower half on the back of the thigh.
Pes anserine is latin for goose foot. The area that semitendinosus inserts into is often called this because three muscles (semitendinosus, gracilis and sartorius) insert here together, in a way that resembles the shape of a goose’s foot.
The hamstring group are used when walking, running or lifting weight from the ground with straight legs.
Injury or dysfunction in the semitendinosus muscle can cause pain or discomfort in the back of the thigh, lower buttock or inner knee regions, and sometimes can be associated with low back pain. Common injuries include hamstring strains/tears, particularly when performing ballistic activity (sprinting, kicking, hurdling) without proper warm-up.
Symptoms may need to be differentiated from injury to the other hamstrings, hip or knee joint pain referral or nerve related pain (disc herniation, sciatica)
Strengthening
Standing upright with feet shoulder width apart, hold a barbell, kettlebell or pair of dumbbells of an appropriate weight with an overhand grip in front of your thighs with straight arms. With knees slightly bent and keeping a straight back, hinge forward at the hips and lower the weights while keeping them close to your legs until about the mid shin level. Pause, then squeeze your glutes to bring the hips forward and return to the starting upright position.
Stretching
Sitting on the ground with one leg out in front and the other bent out to the side. With your foot on the inside of the straight legs knee. Lean forward (keeping a straight/neutral back) to feel a nice stretch down the back of the straight leg.
Rotate legs outwards to favour the medial hamstrings (semitendinosus and semimembranosus). You can use a towel to make the stretch stronger.
Self Treatment
Sitting on a firm table or chair with your legs hanging off the edge. Place a ball under your right hamstring, where you feel it is tight. Slowly lift your foot, extending your knee a few times. Then move the ball onto the next tender spot along the muscle. Alternatively, not extending the knee, you can use your hands and body weight to push your thigh onto the ball with more pressure. When you feel the discomfort dissipate, move onto the next spot.
Biceps Femoris
Action – flexion of knee (both long and short head)
extension of hip (long head only)
lateral rotation of knee (tibia) when knee is flexed
Origin – long head: ischial tuberosity
short head: lateral lip of liner aspera
Insertion – head of fibula
Nerve – sciatic nerve (long head – tibial division (L5, S1, S2), short head – common perineal division (S1, S2))

Biceps femoris is one of three hamstring muscles. It is lateral (towards the outside of your thigh) and consists of two heads – a long head and a short head. It can be felt when tensing the hamstrings on the outside of the back the thigh, most easily close to the knee where the tendon is more prominent.
The hamstring group are used when walking, running or lifting from the ground with straight legs. Biceps femoris also plays a large role in providing knee stability.
Injury or dysfunction in the biceps femoris muscle can cause pain or discomfort in the back of the thigh, lower buttock or inner knee regions, and sometimes can be associated with low back pain. Common injuries include hamstring strains/tears, particularly when performing ballistic activity (sprinting, kicking, hurdling) without proper warm-up.
As you can see in the above picture, the pain referral pattern can be higher up into the bottom of the glutes or lower into the back of the knee. Looking at the referral pattern, all hamstrings should be considered when working out the source of an issue.
Symptoms of hamstring muscle tension can feel similar to referred joint pain or disc related pain. Consult your local Myotherapist to help with diagnosis.
Strengthening
Standing upright with feet shoulder width apart, hold a barbell, kettlebell or pair of dumbbells of an appropriate weight with an overhand grip in front of your thighs with straight arms. With knees slightly bent and keeping a straight back, hinge forward at the hips and lower the weights while keeping them close to your legs until about the mid shin level. Pause, then squeeze your glutes to bring the hips forward and return the the starting upright position.
Stretching
Sitting on the ground with one leg out in front and the other bent out to the side. With your foot on the inside of the straight legs knee. Lean forward (keeping a straight/neutral back) to feel a nice stretch down the back of the straight leg. Rotate legs inwards to favour biceps femoris over the medial hamstrings. You can use a towel to make the stretch stronger.
Self Treatment
Sitting on a firm table or chair with your legs hanging off the edge. Place a ball under your right hamstring, where you feel it is tight. Slowly lift your foot, extending your knee a few times. Then move the ball onto the next tender spot along the muscle. Alternatively, not extending the knee, you can use your hands and body weight to push your thigh onto the ball with more pressure. When you feel the discomfort dissipate, move onto the next spot.

Gluteus Medius
Action – abduction of hip
flexion and medial rotation of hip (anterior fibres)
extension and lateral rotation of hip (posterior fibres)
stabilises the pelvis and prevents the free limb from sagging during gait
Origin – outer ilium (between anterior and posterior gluteal lines)
Insertion – greater trochanter on the femur (superior and lateral surface)
Nerve – superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)

Gluteus medius fans out across the hip in a similar way, as the deltoid muscle does to the shoulder. As a result it has many actions on the movement of the hip. It is partially covered by gluteus maximus, but can be felt on the side below the hip bone when moving your straight leg to the side away from the opposite leg.
The muscle plays a key role in normal gait (walking or running) by stabilising the pelvis when the opposite leg is off the ground. If weak, the pelvis can drop towards the opposite side in what is known as a ‘Trendelenburg gait’.
Gluteus medius can be injured from falling, blunt trauma such as those experienced in contact sports, repetitive stress from hip extension activities or long periods sitting or sleeping in one position. Pain in the region should be differentiated from other pathologies such as trochanteric bursitis, lumbar, sacroiliac or hip joint dysfunction, or trigger point referral from muscles in the low back.
Pictured above you can see the typical referral pattern of the gluteus medius trigger points. There are generally 3 points that can have an affect on different regions. Ranging from the muscled itself, sacroiliac joint (SIJ), upper hamstring (sometimes to the side of the leg more) and over the sacrum.
That feeling of general stiffness or tightness across the upper glutes and sacrum on both sides, could be caused by trigger points in the gluteus medius.
Strengthening
Lie on your side with the lower leg slightly bent, top leg straight with toes pointed slightly towards the floor. Raise the straight top leg as far as possible (it may only be 20-30 degrees) without rocking through the hips, pause for 2 seconds and slowly lower back down. As you continue you should start to feel your gluteus medius fatigue.
Stretching
Lie on your back, knees bent and feet on the ground. Place the ankle of the side to be stretched to just above the knee of the opposite leg, then use your hands to pull this opposite leg towards your chest. You should feel the stretch on the side/back of the hip that is being stretched.
Self Treatment
Laying on the side you want to work on. Propped up on your forearm with your bottom knee bent and your top foot on the floor just behind your bent knee.
Place the ball on the floor underneath your gluteus medius and lower yourself onto the ball. Roll on the ball until you find a tender spot. Once on a tender spot, hold there. Do some nice breathing into the belly. Let your body sink onto the ball. (You can adjust the pressure using your forearm and the foot on the floor) After about 20 secs or so you should feel the discomfort start to subside. Once this happens, move onto the next tender spot.
As always, consult your local Myotherapist to make sure the above techniques are suitable for your situation.
Contributors: Ben Lewis & Jesse Kingsbury
Tibialis Posterior

Action – plantar flexion and inversion of the foot
– Plantar flexion – pointing the foot and toes away from the knee
– Inversion – the foot moves towards the side of the big toe
Origin – posterior proximal 2/3 of tibia, fibula and interosseous membrane
Insertion – fans out over the plantar surface of foot (navicular, all 3 cuneiforms, 2nd-4th metatarsals, cuboid and calcaneus)
Nerve – tibial nerve (L4-S1)

Tibialis posterior is located on the back of the lower leg deep to the main ‘calf’ muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), so it can be difficult to feel.
It helps to stabilise the ankle and prevents over-pronation while walking, as well as supporting the arch of the foot. Playing an important role in running for both ankle stability and spring in the foot. For those with ‘flat feet’ and/or wearing orthotics, tibialis posterior strengthening is recommended for the support of the arch.
If you stand on your toes or use your foot to press on the pedals in your car, then you are engaging tibialis posterior.
Dysfunction in the muscle, similar to tibialis anterior, can cause pain around the shin bone (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome), in the front of the ankle or the big toe (shown in the above referral pattern image). Shin splints are an overuse or overload injury that can involve inflammation and pain in tibialis posterior and along the Tibia where the muscle inserts. Weakness can lead to the arch of the foot collapsing, resulting in pain and increased stress on the muscle.
When inflamed it can be extremely painful to massage. Dry needling is a good option if this is the case.
As usual, consult your local Myotherapist on what strategy may work best for your situation.
Strengthening
Stand with feet hip width apart. Place a tennis ball (or yoga block, foam roller) between both ankles and squeeze the heels together to hold on to it. While keeping the squeeze, raise the heels off the ground as high as you can, hold for 1-2 seconds and slowly lower back down. Repeat 10-15 times.
Stretching
Sit on the floor with the affected leg straight out in front of you, placing a rolled up towel under the knee so that it is slightly bent. Use another towel, belt or strap looped around the foot (or simply your outstretched hand on the same side), pull the top of the foot towards the knee while everting the foot (so the small toe side comes a little further than the big toe side). You should feel a stretch deep in your calf. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Self Massage
Sitting in a chair, place your ankle of the affected leg on your opposite knee. Place your thumbs on the inside edge of the tibia. Anywhere in the top 2/3 of your tibia. Push in and around to the back of your tibia with your thumbs.
Flex and extend your foot as you push in. You will be able to feel the muscle contract if you are on the correct spot. If you feel a pulse move onto another spot.
As always, consult your local Myotherapist to make sure the above techniques are suitable for your situation.
Contributors: Ben Lewis & Jesse Kingsbury
Peroneus (Fibularis) Longus

Action – Eversion and plantarflexion of the foot
– Eversion – the foot moves towards the side of the smallest toe
– Plantarflexion – pointing the toes downwards
Origin – head and proximal shaft of the fibula
Insertion – medial cuneiform and base of the 1st metatarsal (plantar surfaces)
Nerve – superficial peroneal (fibular) nerve L5, S1
Peroneus longus is located on the outer part of the lower leg, along with peroneus brevis (short) and peroneus tertius (third). These peroneal muscles may also be known as fibularis longus, brevis and tertius. The name changed to fibularis in the international standard for human anatomy as the muscles are attached to the fibula bone (perónē in Ancient Greek), and also to avoid confusion with the perianal region – important for treatment purposes! Most people still use the term peroneus though, as old habits die hard.
The three muscles are often grouped together because they evert the foot. Peroneus longus is also a key stabiliser of the ankle joint, balancing against the ankle invertors (move the foot towards the big toe side). It is a strong muscle that can withstand the forces of running and jumping.

Injury or dysfunction in the peroneus longus muscle may cause pain or discomfort in the lower leg, ankle or foot (especially on the outside, refer to above picture). This can cause difficulty with walking and running. The muscle may become weakened or strained following the most common ankle injury, an inversion sprain. Symptoms may need to be differentiated from dysfunction of peroneus brevis and tertius, hip or knee joint dysfunction referral or nerve entrapment or irritation from the lower back.
Strengthening
Tie a resistance band to a sturdy object. Place your foot in a loop at the other end of the band, keep your lower leg still and rotate your foot outwards, stretching the band using only your foot. Hold for 2-3 seconds then rest. Repeat 10-15 times.
Stretching
Invert the ankle with gentle over pressure. Note, stretching of the peroneal muscles is generally NOT indicated as over stretching can lead to chronic recurrent ankle sprains.
Self Massage
Lie on your side with a foam roller under the outside of your lower leg. Pressure can be modified by adjusting your bodyweight on your arms and other leg. Slowly move the affected leg along the foam roller, pausing for around 30 seconds on any tender spots.
Tibialis Anterior

Action – Dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot
– Dorsiflexion – pulling the foot upwards towards the knee
– Inversion – the foot moves towards the side of the big toe
Origin – anterior proximal tibia
Insertion – medial cuneiform and base of the first metatarsal (the same as peroneus longus)
Nerve – deep peroneal (fibular) nerve L4-S1
Tibialis anterior is located on the front part of the lower leg and is the main dorsiflexor of the foot. Together with peroneus longus, tibialis anterior forms the anatomical stirrup of the foot. They form a balance between inversion and eversion, plantarflexion and dorsiflexion.
It is easy to locate tibialis anterior when it contracts – find the upper half of your shin bone, then move your fingers just to the outside of this and pull your toes upwards to feel it activate.
Tibialis anterior helps with walking, running, kicking a ball, anything that involves moving the leg or stabilising the ankle.
Dysfunction in the muscle can cause pain around the shin bone, in the front of the ankle or the big toe. Shin splints are an overuse injury that can involve inflammation and pain in tibialis anterior. Damage to the nerve supply to the muscle can result in what is known as ‘foot drop’ where the front of the foot is unable to be lifted up.
It’s not too often that this muscle has issues. Hyper extending the ankle, stubbing your toe or tripping on something can cause this muscle to tense up and become protective. If this happens here are some ways to Strengthen, Stretch and Self Massage the area.
Strengthening
Tie a resistance band to a sturdy object. Sit on a chair with your leg out straight in front of you, heel on the ground. Place your foot in a loop at the other end of the band, then pull your foot towards your knee (dorsiflex) against the resistance of the band, stretching the band using only your foot. Hold for 2-3 seconds then rest. Repeat 10-15 times.
Stretching
Kneel with the top of your foot on the ground (toes pointed, foot plantarflexed). Sit back on your heels and feel the stretch in the front of your shin. The amount of stretch can be controlled by adjusting your bodyweight with your hands on the ground.
Self Massage
Sitting on a chair, bring your knee up towards your chest. Grab onto your shin with both hands. Using your fingers from both hands, put pressure on your tibilias anterior and strum across the muscle, side to side.
You can increase or decrease the amount of pressure by pulling your finger tips in towards you or relaxing your arms, respectively.
Work your way up and down the muscle. If the muscle is tight, it is common to feel a pain referral down the front of the shin and into the foot.
As always, consult your local Myotherapist to make sure the above techniques are suitable for your situation.
Contributors: Ben Lewis & Jesse Kingsbury