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What is the Semimembranosus?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

The semimembranosus is one of the three main hamstring muscles located at the back of the thigh. Of the three hamstring muscles, the semimembranosus is located most medially and is used for flexing the knee joint while extending the hip. Its secondary action is to medially rotate the knee, which is important for stability. If the muscle isn’t functioning correctly or is too tight then this can cause lower back, hip or knee pain.

The origin of the semimembranosus is on the Ischial tuberosity, which is part of the hip. It then runs down the medial side of the thigh before attaching to the medial part of the tibia beneath the knee. Due to the fact that it runs from the hip to the knee, it has an important part to play in many daily activities including bending down. The innvervation of the muscle is via the sciatic nerve.

The muscle starts with a tendon, which then expands to cover the muscle. From this, the muscle fibers begin before turning back into a tendon above the insertion. Due to its location, the muscle overlaps with a part of the popliteal vessels.

The semimembranosus is located in the hip.
The semimembranosus is located in the hip.

Despite the fact that the semimembranosus is such an important muscle in both movements of the hip and knee, it is not unheard of for it to be absent in some cases. Some people may also have a double muscle. These variations, however, are relatively uncommon.

The other two muscles that make up the hamstrings are the biceps femoris and semitendinosus. Together, these muscles are commonly referred to as a single muscle. As the semitendinosus helps to extend the hip and flex the knee it has a similar action to the semimembranosus. All the hamstring muscles have an important role to play in a variety of different activities such as running and jumping.

Injuries to the hamstring muscles are relatively common, and may take a long time to heal.
Injuries to the hamstring muscles are relatively common, and may take a long time to heal.

Due to the large amount of stress and strain that is put on the hamstring muscles injuries are relatively common. Hamstring strains often occur during sporting activities and are notorious for taking a long time to heal compared with other similar injuries. Hamstring tendinitis is also a common injury that usually requires rest to treat. In order to reduce the chance of getting a hamstring injury, an athlete should regularly stretch the muscle so that it’s as flexible as possible. Chronically tight hamstring muscles, including the semimembranosus, often occur amongst people who spend a lot of time at a desk.

Discussion Comments

popcorn

@letshearit - I also used to get semimembranosus pain and found that certain stretches and rubbing the area with a muscle soothing cream really helped.

The best semimembranosus stretches I have found are the sitting hamstring stretch, the standing hamstring stretch and the partner hamstring stretch. All of these are easy to do and you can find images for instruction if you search online.

As far as strengthening exercises go I would try using the knee curl machine at the gym and doing some hip extension exercises with a resistance band whenever you are at the gym. You'll feel a lot better and the pain should go away once you strengthen up.

letshearit

I'm a fairly active runner and I enjoy what I do for exercise but lately I have been getting a lot of hamstring pain, especially towards the back of my knee. I suspect that I may need to do some semimembranosus exercises to strengthen the area and was wondering if anyone had any tips?

I really want to avoid a semimembranosus injury because I have heard that damaging your hamstring can really put you out of sports for a long time. I am willing to try whatever exercises are needed to dull the pain in my hamstrings so I can run better again.

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    • The semimembranosus is located in the hip.
      By: videodoctor
      The semimembranosus is located in the hip.
    • Injuries to the hamstring muscles are relatively common, and may take a long time to heal.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Injuries to the hamstring muscles are relatively common, and may take a long time to heal.
    • Hamstring injuries can occur with excessive training.
      By: Maridav
      Hamstring injuries can occur with excessive training.
    • Improper functioning of the semimembranosus can result in back pain.
      By: sframe
      Improper functioning of the semimembranosus can result in back pain.
    • Improper functioning of the semimembranosus may result in hip pain.
      By: Nikki Zalewski
      Improper functioning of the semimembranosus may result in hip pain.
    • Regularly stretching the hamstring prior to exercise can help prevent injury.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Regularly stretching the hamstring prior to exercise can help prevent injury.
    • A patient suffering from injured hamstring muscles may experience pain when walking unassisted.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A patient suffering from injured hamstring muscles may experience pain when walking unassisted.
    • A damaged semimembranosus muscle may trigger knee pain.
      By: Shakzu
      A damaged semimembranosus muscle may trigger knee pain.