In the following video, I demonstrate how restriction in the suspensory ligaments of the ascending colon can cause knee pain without injury! The ascending colon is anchored to the parietal peritoneum that overlies the illiacus. Chronic rib thrusting (and/or chronic hip flexion) can cause the ligaments to be less than supple and can result in a pull on the cecum. In 60% of women, the ligament of Cleyet attaches the cecum to the right ovary. The genitofemoral nerve runs underneath this ligament and can be irritated if it’s restricted. The genitofemoral nerve runs through the psoas, branches off, and the femoral branch runs under the inguinal ligament and sends a branch to the medial part of the knee. I’ve personally experienced genitofemoral nerve irritation (anterior thigh and medial knee pain) from an ovary that was irritating an already shortened psoas during ovulation. In these situations, no amount of knee therapy will alleviate this particular type of knee pain.
A branch of the genitofemoral nerve passes through the inguinal canal along with the round ligament of the uterus. “When the bladder and uterus were fixed anteriorly, fibrosis of these ligaments mechanically irritates the genitofemoral nerve,”- Jean-Pierre Barral, osteopathic physician.
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Author: Barbara Horsley has more than 26 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in abdominal massage and Visceral Manipulation™ and is an NCBTMB-approved educator. In addition to being certified in abdominal massage, she also studied biomechanics and restorative exercise. She is also a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator and a graduate of the IWHI Perimenopause & Menopause Certificate Program.