Myofascial Release Bristol / Lateral line Anatomy Trains
Anatomy Trains
Lateral line Anatomy Trains
The Lateral Line runs down each side of the body, from the skull behind the ear to the outside of the ankle and foot. It steadies the body from side to side when walking, running and standing on one leg.
Route
Where the Lateral Line runs
From the outside of the foot the line runs up the peroneal muscles of the outer calf, along the IT band and tensor fasciae latae on the outside of the thigh, over the hip into the obliques and intercostal muscles between the ribs, and up the side of the neck to the skull.
- Peroneal muscles
- IT band and tensor fasciae latae
- Gluteus medius
- Obliques and intercostals
- Splenius capitis and sternocleidomastoid
When it tightens
Signs of a tight Lateral Line
A short Lateral Line on one side can tilt the pelvis, raise one shoulder and pull the head sideways. It is involved in outer knee and IT band pain, outer hip pain, ankle stiffness after sprains and a side bend that is freer one way than the other.
Treatment
Releasing the Lateral Line
James compares side bending to each side, then releases the outer calf, IT band, outer hip, the ribs and the side of the neck on the tighter side. Side bending is measured again at the end.
Questions
Lateral line Anatomy Trains: questions answered
Is IT band pain a Lateral Line problem?
The IT band is part of the Lateral Line, and its tension is set by the muscles at the hip above it, so the whole line is treated.
Why is one side tighter?
Habits such as carrying a bag on one shoulder, sleeping on one side or an old ankle sprain often make one side tighter.
Which activities load this line?
Running, tennis, skiing and any sport with side to side movement.
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