8. Vastus Medialis

Origin: Intertrochanteric line and medial lip of the linea aspera of the femur

Insertion: Tibial tuberosity via the patella tendon

Action: Extension of the lower leg

Innervation: Femoral nerve (L2/3/4)

Vastus medialis muscle.
Figure 3.20 Vastus medialis, adapted by Uwe Gille from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).
Femoral neurovascular bundle (Femoral artery, nerve and vein).
Figure 3.21 Femoral neurovascular bundle (femoral artery, nerve, and vein), by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Supine

Palpation: Palpate medial aspect of the upper thigh – can be most easily palpated closer to the patella

Technique: Needle in a medial to lateral direction through this muscle using the femur as a bony backdrop

Caution: Low

Needling of vastus medialis.
Figure 3.22 Needling of vastus medialis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 3.8 Needling of vastus medialis, 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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