Abstract
These muscles play a vital role in ankle stability as well as balance so here is a brief overview of how to approach and treat the Fibularis or Peroneals.
The Fibularis comprise a group of 3 muscles that form the lateral compartment of the lower leg. They include Fibularis Longus, Brevis and Tertius and can be palpated directly over the fibula on the lateral aspect from just inferior to the head of fibula towards the lateral malleolus. From here Fibularis Longus and Brevis tendons continue posteriorly to the lateral malleolus whilst Tertius, the smallest of the group, passes anteriorly to towards its insertion on the superior aspect of the 5th metatarsal.
The Latin term fibular is also known by the Greek word peroneal and they mean a clasp from a broach referring to the appearance of the fibula bones set alongside the tibias.
The muscle group plays an important role in stabilising the ankle and helping prevent inversion sprains to the lateral ankle ligaments including the Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL) and the Calcaneo-Fibular Ligament (CFL). These are regarded as the most commonly injured ligaments in sport. Consequently, the Fibularis muscles may often be strained during forced inversion and plantar-flexion of the foot and should be assessed following this type of injury. Strength and flexibility will both need to be restored prior to a return to sport, as well as checking proprioception.
Tim is the registrar and founder of the Sports Therapy UK, and has over 30 years experience in developing and teaching sports therapy courses, both through his organisation Sports Therapy UK and as a senior lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire. Tim is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has acted as advisor for national occupational standards, to national awarding bodies, colleges, and universities. He has also been a panel member for various validations of degree and foundation degrees and is currently a Consultant Advisor to VTCT for their training awards in sports massage.
Tim is a published Sports Massage therapy author and is currently working on the 4th edition of his book, The Complete Guide to Sports Massage. He is also working on a follow-up book on advanced soft tissue techniques with his colleague and Academic Lead for Sports Therapy UK, Jade Revell.
During his career, Tim has worked with many sportspeople, in particular the players at Finchley R.F.C. He has also presented research at various conferences around the world including the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy World Congress: Athletic rehabilitation and conditioning for the athletes in Tokyo, Japan in 2007 and San Antonio, Texas U.S.A in 2009. More recently, Tim reported on latest research conducted with colleague Peter Sheard on the ‘differing effects of four variations of neuromuscular technique (NMT) on range of motion in healthy athletes’ at the inaugural European Society of Athletic Training and Therapy Conference in Jerzmanowice, Poland.
The formation of BeActive Clinic is the fulfilment of Tim’s long-term ambitions to create a centre combining education, a range of treatments based on sound evidence, outstanding service, and physical mobility to improve individuals’ comfort and longevity. The BeActive team of staff, instructors and practitioners combine and constantly strive to deliver education and excellence.
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