Lateral Leg Muscles

Biceps Femoris

The biceps femoris is the largest muscle of the thigh and covers most of its surface. To isolate you must remove the connective tissue from above and below the muscle so that you can insert the blunt probe underneath the muscle.

Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius lies deep to the gluteus maximus and the tensor fascia lata. This muscle acts to extend the hip and abduct the thigh.

Rectus Femoris

The rectus femoris is mostly covered by the tensor fascia lata. It is the most anterior muscle of the quadriceps. It is thick and on the anterior side of the thigh. To isolate this you must dig under the tensor fascia lata and remove the connective tissue and fat with the blunt probe.

Vastus Lateralis

The vastus lateralis is seen on the lateral side of the hind leg. It also is covered by the tensor fascia lata so removal of the tensor fascia lata is required before isolation. It must be then separated from the rectus femoris by using the blunt probe to find a weak point between the two; then separate them.

Tensor Fascia Lata

The tensor fascia lata is a tensing muscle that pulls the fascia lata, which is a sheet that lies along the knee and inserts over the tibia. It flexes the hip or extends the knee. To isolate this you must remove the connective tissue and fat. The vastus lateralis and rectus femoris lie beneath.

Semitendinosus

The semitendinosus lies medial to the biceps femoris. It inserts into the tibia and the calcaneous. To isolate this muscle you must use your blunt probe to remove connective tissue and any fat. Then you must find the weak spot to isolate the muscle from the semimembranosus.

Semimembranosus

The semimembranosus lies posterior and medial to the semitendinosus.You must first remove the gracilis to uncover this muscle. Then use the blunt probe to remove any other connective tissue and  to separate it from the semitendinosus.