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functional anatomy In addition to its role in propulsion, the flexor hallucis longus is one of several muscles that dynamically stabilizes the medial arch of the foot. It joins the other muscles of the tarsal tunnel and intrinsic muscles of the foot to control pronation during weight-bearing activities like walking, running, and jumping. The flexor hallucis longus conforms the foot to whatever surface it contacts and also helps make balance adjustments. Dysfunctional posture of the medial arch, insufficient arch support, and weakness or instability of the ankle and foot can create pain, numbness, and poor force transfer in the lower extremity. Client Homework— Seated Toe Stretch 1. it on the floor with your leg straight S out in front of you. 2. With a relaxed knee, bend at your waist and lean forward. 3. rasp your big toe with your fingers. G Palpating the Flexor Hallucis Longus Positioning: client prone. CAEL: Functional Anatomy: A Guide of Musculoskeletal Anatomy for Profs at the client's feet, locate the medial malleolus 1. tanding S Lippincott Williams & Wilkins with your thumb. Figure 09.40 Dragonfly Media Group 03/11/09 2. lide your thumb posteriorly and superiorly into the S space between the malleolus and Achilles tendon, and onto the three tendons located there. (Caution: The tibial artery and nerve also run posterior to the medial malleolus. Be sure to reposition your thumb if the client reports numbness or tingling, or if you feel a pulse.) 4. ently pull the big toe back toward G your knee until you feel a slight stretch. Editor's note: The Client Homework element in Functional Anatomy is intended as a take-home resource for clients experiencing issues with the profiled muscle. The stretches identified in Functional Anatomy should not be performed within massage sessions or progressed by massage therapists, in order to comply with state laws and maintain scope of practice. 3. ontinue to palpate the most posterior tendon, which is the C flexor hallucis longus. 4. Resist as the client flexes the big toe to ensure proper location. 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 (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com. 52 massage & bodywork july/august 2013