Hip Pain or TFL Pain? Let us explain!

Hip Pain

Tensor Fascia Latae or TFL is a small muscle located on the top of the hip in the human body. It helps in the movement of your knee and your hip. This small, but very important muscle is essential for walking, running, and climbing. In short, TFL is essential for performing our daily activities. Just imagine what would happen if this muscle got strained? No doubt, a TFL strain would trouble you a lot.


The TFL can be a tremendous source of discomfort, but often not true pain. It mimics what many may consider to be hip pain because it is in close proximity to the joint. However on palpation, patients are relieved to realize it’s not their hip joint.


The TFL has a pretty big job to do, as it bridges the fibrous connection TO the hip and helps create a suspension-tension. Now with that being said, this muscle is often hurting because something else is going on. Typically there are issues in the gluteal musculature as well.


A weak glute places a lot of tension on the ITB band- why? Because weak muscles get tight! And they pull! That translation of tension manifests in the TFL.

Why are the gluteals doing this? This varies from person to person and requires an evaluation by your chiropractor at Peak Performance Chiropractic. Let us help you get to the root of your hip pain, or TFL pain!

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