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Popliteus

Region

Origin & Insertion

['Origin: Lateral condyle of femur', 'Insertion: Posterior surface of tibia above soleal line']

Synergistic Muscles

['Hamstrings']

Joints

['Knee']

Primary Actions

['Unlocks knee (internal rotation of tibia)', 'Knee flexion']

Nerve & Spinal Segment

Tibial nerve

Sacral plexus; L4–S1

Interesting

Initiates knee flexion. [Gray's]

Reversal of Action

Rotate femur laterally over fixed tibia

Common Dysfunctions

Knee locking, difficulty initiating flexion

How to Stretch

Hamstring stretches.

Trigger Points

How to Strengthen

Isometric internal tibial rotation.

Concentric Action

Unlock knee into flexion (especially from extension)

Applications:

Stabilizer for knee rotation, targeted in posterior knee pain

Eccentric Action

Control knee extension from flexion

Isotonic Action

Terminal knee unlocks or small squats

Related Conditions

['Knee instability', 'Popliteal tendinopathy']

Isometric Action

Maintain knee flexion at slight bend

Exercise Ideas

['Seated tibial IR', 'Heel digs', 'Terminal knee flexion']

Related Blogs

Images

Videos

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