One of the SUPER muscles used for pointe work!  One muscle that is incredibly important for pointe work is a deep calf muscle called Tibialis Posterior.  Activity of the tibialis posterior muscle is important in stabilizing the ankle joint. The ankle joint is what is called a mortise joint- mortise is another word for lock.  When tibialis posterior contracts to pointe the foot, it pulls the tibia and fibula together and keeps the ankle mortise tight and stable.  It is one of the main muscles to get the foot up onto the platform of the pointe shoe and hold it there.  If this muscle is not working as it should be, it can cause problems in the foot and make pointe work difficult, particularly in getting up onto the platform and controlling the ankle.

Why does this muscle stop working properly?

Dysfunction or weakness of this muscle is usually due to a restricted joint in the foot and there are lots of joints within the foot that may need mobilization.  Also, this muscle will not work properly if the feet are pronated or “flat”.  Sometimes, if there are restricted joints around the area of the spine at the level of the nerve supply to this muscle, the muscle doesn’t get the correct signals about when to contract and when to relax.

Strategies to improve TP function.

Making sure the joints in the feet and the lumbar spine and pelvic area are moving correctly.

Working on foot strength to improve any pronation.

Strengthening tibialis posterior with calf rises followed with stretching to maintain length and plie depth.