Muscles of the Hip Chart for Massage Therapists
| Pelvis | Origin | Insertion | Action | Notes |
| Gluteus maximus | Posterior ilium, sacrum coccyx | Femur (greater trochanter) and Iliotibial band | Forceful extension of the hip, lateral rotation of extended hip, abduct hip (IT band), lower fibers (inserting on trochanter) adduct hip, External rotation |
stabilizes knee
|
| Gluteus medius | Ilium between posterior and anterior gluteal lines (below crest) | Greater trochanter of femur | Abducts and rotates thigh medially (internally), abducts, flexes and extends the hip | stabilizes pelvis |
| Gluteus minimus | Posterior ilium between anterior and inferior gluteal lines | Anterior surface of greater trochanter of femur | Abducts and medially (internally) rotates thigh, stabilizes pelvis on femur | stabilizes pelvis |
| Tensor fascia latae | Anterior iliac crest (posterior to anterior superior iliac spine) | Iliotibial band which continues to attach to lateral condyle of tibia | Flexes, internally: rotates and abducts thigh, prevents collapse of extended knee in walking |
|
| Psoas major | Lumbar vertebrae, T12-L5 Bodies and transverse processes |
Lesser trochanter of femur | Flexion of hipWhen femur is stabilized it may increases the lordotic curve in the lumbar spine and rotates the pelvis downward.
Alternate theory: acting with posterior transversospinalis act to erect (lift or straighten) the spine |
Provides support for the spine and maintains disc space when functioning properly.
|
| Iliacus | Iliac fossa | Lesser trochanter of the femur | Flexes, laterally rotates and adducts the hipWith femur fixed, acts in rotating pelvis anteriorly | |
| Piriformis | Anterior surface of the sacrum | Greater trochanter of femur | External rotation of femurAdducts the thigh when the hip is flexed
With femur fixed, bilaterally moves pelvis backward (decreasing lordosis); unilaterally medially rotates pelvis |
|
| Deep lateral rotators (Superior and Inferior Gemelli, Obturator Internus and Externus, Quadratus femoris) |
Ischium, obturator foramen | Trochanter | Laterally rotate thigh, stabilize hip |