Its amazing how important this muscle is. Gluteus Medius a large fan-shaped muscle located in the posterior hip, extending from the ilium to the proximal femur. It is even more amazing what happens when this muscle stops doing what it is supposed to do. It is a prime mover of the hip joint in lateral motion and rotation and it also stabilized the pelvis. It is important in walking, running and standing on one leg.
It can be injured or inhibited by; standing in one position with body weight on one side and sitting cross legged for a long period of time. When this muscle stops doing its job (inhibition), other muscles must compensate. This can lead to low back pain and is also related to lumbar degenerative disease, hip osteoarthritis, bursitis, knee osteoarthritis, and failed back surgery syndrome.
As someone who specializes in soft tissue therapy I spend a lot of time treating muscles and fascia. When someone comes in with lower back pain we assess their gait, motion of their hips, knees, ankles and the strength of all their individual muscles. Many low back problems can be related to faulty biomechanics in the lower limb or weak/tight muscles resulting in overactive and overuse of other muscles. This results in joint and muscle pain and that can potentially result in chronic and recurrent issues such as discogenic pain, facet syndrome, herniated discs, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
If you have been experiencing chronic or recurrent lower back pain and want it properly diagnosed. Please give us a call!!
