Why Is My VMO Weak?

Sometimes a weak VMO can develop through bad training habits, but often the VMO becomes weak because of an underlying problem in the knee , of which there can be many. It is usually the first muscle to show signs of an underling problem, and this should not be ignored.

How do I know if my VMO is weak?

1. Pain along the inner thigh and at the front and inside of the knee.
2. Constant pain at the knee joint.
3. Buckling of the knee.
4. Cramping or tightness.
5. Tenderness when touching the area.
6. Swelling.
7. Bruising.

How do you strengthen weak VMO?

Flex your quads muscle with hip/leg slightly externally rotated. Hold contraction for 5-10 seconds, place your fingers on your VMO to ensure your quads muscle is activating and firing. Try 10 reps for 10 seconds and as your strength/endurance improves increase the length of your contractions.

What causes VMO atrophy?

Finally, the exact cause of this morphological change is also debatable. The most common explanation is that the quadriceps atrophy is caused by reflex inhibition leading to loss of muscle contractility and thus muscle size over time ⁷ . This phenomenon is commonly referred to as ‘autogenic muscle inhibition’ or AMI ⁸ .

What is VMO insufficiency?

It is caused by a variety of factors including abnormal lower limb mechanics, Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) insufficiency, tight lateral structures and tight anterior and posterior muscles. The condition often develops gradually and is characterized by a diffuse ache in the area of the anterior knee.

Does cycling build VMO?

A chiseled VMO muscle is an unmistakable mark of the fittest, most dedicated cyclists. ... But, he says, “All four quadriceps muscles are key in cycling . You want them all to be strong.” Here’s how to build quads that not only look good, but help you go faster, too.

Does running strengthen VMO?

In well-developed runners, it can look like a “second kneecap.” The VMO is part of the quadriceps muscle which handles knee extension and stability. The VMO is hard to strengthen and running does not stimulate the VMO to help stability .

Can you isolate VMO?

Therefore, since the vastus medialis (nor the VMO) does not have a distinct and separate nerve innervation, it is not possible to “isolate” this muscle from the other quadriceps muscles via a specific exercise performance.

When is the VMO most active?

VMO stands for vastus medialis oblique. The VMO is most active in the final 30 degrees of knee extension .

Does VMO exist?

For physiotherapist vastus medialis oblique (VMO) is a well known muscle. But some anatomist do not accept VMO as real muscle .

What does the VMO muscle do?

The vastus medialis (vastus medialis oblique, or VMO) is one of the four quadriceps muscles in the front of your upper thigh. The teardrop-shaped muscle helps move the knee joint and stabilizes the kneecap . Injury to the vastus medialis can cause knee pain and difficulty walking, running, or managing stairs.

How do you check VMO strength?

To check the contraction of VMO Sit with your legs out in front of you and a rolled up towel under the injured knee (the knee should be slightly bent). Put your fingers over the area of VMO as shown in the picture.. Push your knee down into the towel. You will feel the muscle tightening under your fingers.

Why is vastus medialis so important?

Function. Vastus medialis, together with the other muscles that make up quadriceps femoris, extends the knee joint and it also contributes to correct tracking of the patella.

How do you target vastus medialis?

1. Floor extension. This exercise isolates your vastus medialis. ...
2. Lateral heel drop. ...
3. Step downs. ...
4. Leg extension. ...
5. Single leg raises. ...
6. Terminal knee extensions (TKEs)