GENERAL INFORMATION
The leg Inferior Gemellus is a small muscle located in the hip region. It is part of the deep lateral rotator group and contributes to hip stability and external rotation.
ORIGIN
The leg Inferior Gemellus originates from the ischial tuberosity, the bony prominence commonly known as the sit bone.
INSERTION POINT
It inserts onto the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur (the bony prominence
on the side of the upper leg bone).
MAJOR ARTERIES
The leg Inferior Gemellus muscle receives blood supply from branches of the internal iliac artery, including the medial femoral circumflex artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The nerve innervates the leg’s Inferior Gemellus muscle to quadratus femoris, which arises from the sacral plexus (ventral rami of S1-S2 spinal nerves).
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the Inferior Gemellus muscle are relatively rare but may cause referred pain to the hip or buttock region.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the Inferior Gemellus muscle involves contracting its muscle fibres, resulting in the external rotation of the hip joint. This action is essential for walking, running and outward leg rotations.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of the Inferior Gemellus muscle occurs when the muscle fibres lengthen under tension. It aids in controlling the internal rotation of the hip during movements such as lowering the leg from an externally rotated position.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The Inferior Gemellus muscle’s isometric function involves contracting and generating tension without changing length. This function helps stabilise the hip joint during weight-bearing activities and maintain proper alignment.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Superior Gemellus: Assists in lateral rotation.
- Obturator externus: Contributes to external rotation.
- Obturator internus: Involved in lateral rotation.
- Piriformis: Participates in hip stabilisation.
- Quadratus femoris: Supports hip rotation and stability.
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- Gluteus medius: Involved in hip abduction and internal rotation.
- Gluteus minimus: Assists in hip abduction.
- Tensor fasciae latae: Stabilises and moves the hip.
- Gluteus maximus: Major extensor and lateral rotator of the hip.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or tears: Overstretching or excessive contraction of the Inferior Gemellus muscle, leading to muscle fibre damage.
- Myofascial pain syndrome: Development of trigger points in the Inferior Gemellus muscle, causing localised pain and referred pain in the hip or buttock region.
EXERCISES
- Clamshells: Lie on your side with knees bent, then lift the top knee while keeping feet together to target the Inferior Gemellus.
- Side-lying leg lifts: Lie on your side and lift the top leg to strengthen the lateral rotators.
- External rotation with resistance band: Use a resistance band to perform hip external rotations.
- Bridge with external rotation: Perform a bridge exercise and add external rotation to engage the Inferior Gemellus.
- Standing hip external rotation with cable machine: Use a cable machine to perform standing hip external rotations.
STRETCHES
- Seated hip external rotation stretch: Sit with your legs bent and gently press the knees inward.
- Supine figure 4 stretch: Lie on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee and pull the leg towards your chest.
- Pigeon pose: Perform a yoga pose that stretches the hip rotators and gluteal muscles.
- Lunge with hip external rotation: Perform a forward lunge and rotate the hip outward to stretch the Inferior Gemellus.
- Standing cross-leg stretch: Stand with one leg crossed over the other and bend forward to stretch the lateral rotators.