Facebook Pixel
Brookbush Institute Logo
Cadaver Dissection of the Flexor Hallucis Longus and Flexor Digitorum Longus
Continuing Education2 Credits

Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) & Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL)

Integrated functional anatomy of the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus. Attachments, nerves, palpation, joint actions, arthrokinematics, fascia, triggerpoints, and behavior in postural dysfunction. Common exercises, foam rolling, and stretches for the toe flexors.

Course Description: Toe Flexor

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus muscles (a.k.a. hallucis longus and digitorum longus muscles, flexor hallucis and digitorum muscles, FHL and FDL muscles). These muscles are likely composed primarily of type II fibers (based on the composition of the peroneus longus, hallucis brevis, and digitorum brevis muscles). They are located deep to the soleus in the posterior compartment of the lower leg, the flexor hallucis longus tendon, and flexor digitorum longus tendon course behind the medial malleolus, through the tarsal tunnel, and invest into the plantar surfaces of the toes. These muscles cross and contribute to ankle (talocrural) plantar flexion and inversion, transverse tarsal joint flexion and supination, the FHL contributes to great toe flexion, and the FDL to metatarsophalangeal joint flexion of toes 2-5. This course also describes the role of the FHL and FDL in ankle and foot arthrokinematics, fascial integration, postural dysfunction, and subsystem integration. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of these deep compartment muscles of the lower leg and foot for detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation including tendinopathy (a.k.a. hallucis longus tendon inflammation, flexor hallucis longus tendonitis, FHL tendon dysfunction, FHL & FDL tendonitis, etc.), as well as foot ankle dysfunctions (e.g. posterior ankle pain, hallux rigidus, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar nerve pain, plantar fasciitis, Achille’s tendonitis, shin splints, etc.) and FHL and FDL exercises and techniques (e.g. long toe flexor muscle or plantar flexor muscle release, mobilizations, lengthening and integration techniques).

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Toe Flexors (see videos below):

Cadaver Disscection of the Flexor Hallucis Longus and Flexor Digitorum Longus
Caption: Cadaver Disscection of the Flexor Hallucis Longus and Flexor Digitorum Longus

Introduction to the Toe Flexors

Toe Flexor Actions

Fascial Integration

Postural Dysfunction and the Toe Flexors

Exercises and Techniques for the FHL and FDL

Bibliography

Copyright

Comments

Guest

3 Certifications, 165+ Courses, 500+ videos, and so much more!

The Brookbush Institute (BI) continues to improve affordability, access, flexibility, and convenience to the highest-quality education.

The Bl is the only approved/accredited certification and continuing education course provider with a true monthly membership model (cancel anytime).

This reduces the initial cost of education to just 3-5% of comparable education, improving access to complete, continue, or just "try" education with low financial risk. Don't get fooled by great marketing to make a large purchase for potentially sub-optimal education. Become a member, and find out why we think this is the way education should be!


or
Sign Up with Email Address
Already Have an Account? Sign In