What is the Quadratus Femoris

When we think of the muscles around our hips, we often forget about the smaller muscles. One such muscle is the quadratus femoris which lies deep underneath our better known gluteal muscles attaching from our ‘sit bones’ to our thigh bone. It is one of several smaller muscles which can be known as the ‘rotator cuff of our hip joint’. Its main job is to help stabilise our hips by holding our thigh bone within the joint socket in addition to externally rotating our thigh bone and bringing it closer to our midline.

“The rotator cuff of the hip”

When we have good activation of our quadratus femoris, efficiency of our larger muscles such as our gluteals are improved by maintaining optimal limb alignment for power generation, especially when running.  Poor activation of our quadratus femoris may cause our hips to rotate inwards which places our glutes in a weaker position whilst also increasing the risk of our knees buckling inwards. When our knees are in this position, the load distribution throughout our knees is affected which may cause issues later on if continued.

Want to know about the Quadratus Femoris and how it might help you? Speak to one of our physiotherapists today by calling 9873 2770 or book online (https://bookings.nookal.com/bookings/company/39XKS ).