5. Tensor Fascia Latae

Origin: Anterior superior iliac spine and anterior part of the iliac crest

Insertion: Iliotibial band

Action:

  • Abducts the hip
  • Flexes the hip
  • Internal rotation of the hip

Innervation: Superior gluteal nerve (L4/5)

Remarked drawing of tensor fascia lata muscle in the vision of the anterior muscles of the pelvis and thigh.
Figure 2.10 Tensor fascia latae, adapted by Jmarchn from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Needling

Position: Side lying or supine

Palpation: Palpate the tensor fascia latae just inferior and lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine.

Technique: Needle perpendicular to the tensor fascia latae using the innominate as a bony backdrop

Caution: Low

Needling of tensor fascia latae.
Figure 2.11 Needling of tensor fascia latae, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 2.5 Needling of tensor fascia latae, 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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