Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1417136
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 45 longus and fibularis brevis via the superficial branch. The common fibular nerve provides sensation to the lateral leg and dorsum of the foot. Both the popliteal artery and popliteal vein are located slightly medial to the nerves contained within the popliteal fossa. They run side by side and appear under the medial margin of the semimembranosis muscle. The popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery that spans the popliteal fossa before branching into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the inferior border of the popliteus muscle. Much like the cubital fossa of the elbow and femoral triangle of the hip, the popliteal fossa contains lymphatic structures, specifically the superficial and deep popliteal lymph nodes. Because its architecture is primarily comprised of soft tissue, the structures of the popliteal fossa are less prone to compressive pathologies when compared to the carpal tunnel of the wrist, tarsal tunnel of the foot, and thoracic outlet. However, bodywork practitioners may still need to assess and treat the associated soft tissues for a variety of Locating the Popliteus Muscle Positioning: client prone with knee slightly flexed. 1. Locate the medial tibial condyle with your fingertips. 2. Slide your fingertips posteriorly past the medial hamstring tendons and onto the posterior surface of the tibia. 3. Resist as the client gently internally rotates the knee to locate the fibers of the popliteus. 4. Follow the muscle fibers laterally and slightly proximal to the lateral femoral condyle. reasons. Knee hyperextension injuries can compromise the popliteus muscle as well as the hamstring tendons. Scar tissue and adhesions in this area are common following hamstring tendon harvest as part of anterior cruciate ligament replacement surgery. Inflammation from both acute and chronic knee pathologies can lead to a Baker's cyst, an encapsulated area of swelling in the back of the knee (also called a popliteal cyst). It is important to be aware of the margins and contents of the popliteal fossa when accessing and manipulating these structures as part of treatment. Christy Cael is a licensed massage therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her private practice focuses on injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, craniosacral therapy, and massage for clients with neurological issues. She is the author of Functional Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Palpation for Manual Therapists (New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2010; jblearning. com). Contact her at christy_cael@hotmail.com. FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY