4. Popliteus

Origin: The lateral posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and lateral meniscus

Insertion: The posterior surface of the tibia just superior to the soleal line

Action: Initiates knee flexion from a fully extended knee

Innervation: Tibial nerve (L4/5/S1)

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: This muscle is best palpated in a sitting position with the knee bent; however, this is not how we needle it

Technique:

1. 1. Prone:

• • • Needle perpendicular towards the posterior surface of the tibia just below the joint line of the knee and medial to the popliteal artery and vein. – Palpate for a popliteal pulse and needle medial to it.

1. 1.  Supine:
      • Position the knee in approximately 30 degrees of flexion over a bolster or the therapist’s knee
      • Needle perpendicular towards the posterior aspect of the medial tibia just above the soleal line
      • Direction of the needle is posterior to anterior using the posterior aspect of the tibia as a bony backdrop

Caution: Moderate – do not needle midline of this muscle as the popliteal artery and vein lie directly overtop of it