Changes

Part of the Vastus medialis that has the greatest angle to the kneecap is often considered as a separate muscle, the Vastus Medialis Obliquus or VMO. In reality the VMO is not a separate muscle, but a subdivision of the VM. There is some evidence that the VMO is activated by a separate nerve from the rest of the VM<ref name="KneeVMONerves"/>. A relative weakness in the VMO has been linked to kneecap alignment<ref name="KneeLinTomo"/> and therefore [[Knee Pain]]. It has also been observed that people with knee pain [[Knee Pain]] have a weaker VMO<ref name="KneeVMOAtrophy"/>.

[[Massage|Massaging]] the VMO and its [[Trigger Points]] may help to restore muscle function and strength<ref name="TPMassHou"/><ref name="TPMassHanten"/><ref name="TPMassCesar"/>. The VMO can easily be overlooked during routine massage[[Massage]], especially if a [[Foam Roller]] is used. The [[Foam Roller]] is a good way of massaging the other muscles in the quads, but it's hard to get to the VMO. [[The Stick]] is generally more effective for massaging the VMO, and the [[Thumper]] is great if you are having problems with specific [[Trigger Points]] in the VMO.