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Obturator Internus

Region

Origin & Insertion

['Origin: External surface of obturator membrane', 'Insertion: Trochanteric fossa of femur']

Synergistic Muscles

['Quadratus femoris', 'Piriformis']

Joints

['Hip']

Primary Actions

['External rotation of hip']

Nerve & Spinal Segment

Nerve to obturator internus

Sacral plexus; L5–S2

Interesting

Visible only from anterior view. [Netter’s]

Reversal of Action

Lift pelvis while hip rotates outward

Common Dysfunctions

Posterior hip impingement, piriformis mimic

How to Stretch

Adduct and IR the hip.

Trigger Points

How to Strengthen

Low-load ER movements.

Concentric Action

Externally rotate hip

Applications:

Supports pelvic floor and hip joint; part of deep rotator group

Eccentric Action

Control hip into internal rotation

Isotonic Action

Clamshells, ER band work

Related Conditions

['Labral impingement', 'Obturator neuritis']

Isometric Action

Hold ER in seated or side-lying position

Exercise Ideas

['Hip ER with band', 'Supine foot pivots', 'Mini band clams']

Related Blogs

Images

Videos

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