1. Gastrocnemius

Origin: Just proximal to the articular surface of the posterior femoral condyles

Insertion: Posterior aspect of the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon

Action:

  • Plantar flexion of the ankle/foot
  • Knee flexion on a fixed limb

Innervation: Tibial nerve (S1/2)

Gastrocnemius.
Figure 1.2 Gastrocnemius, by Dr. Johannes Sobotta (Public domain).
Neurovascular bundle of the calf.
Figure 1.3 Neurovascular bundle of the calf, by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: The gastrocnemius is easily palpated on the posterior aspect of the calf

Technique:

    1. Needle perpendicular to the calf either medial or lateral to midline
    2. Needle at a slight oblique angle away from midline
    3. The medial aspect of the muscle is easily picked up by the therapist

Caution: Low – avoid midline to avoid the tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery and vein

Needling medial belly of gastrocnemius away from the neurovascular bundle located in midline.
Figure 1.4 Needling medial belly of gastrocnemius away from the neurovascular bundle located in midline, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 1.1 Needling gastrocnemius, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

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Sinew Channel Needling Copyright © 2026 by Nadine Crocker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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