Treating trigger points in the glutes

Trigger points in the gluteus medius

Gluteus medius

This muscle is mostly deep to and is therefore obscured by the gluteus maximus, but appears on the surface between the gluteus maximus and the TFL. During walking, this muscle, along with the gluteus minimus, prevents the pelvis from dropping toward the non-weight-bearing leg.

The gluteus medius abducts the hip joint. The anterior fibers medially rotate and may assist in flexion, whilst the posterior fibers slightly laterally rotate the hip joint.

As with the gluteus maximus, trigger points in the gluteus medius may refer pain locally to the buttocks and hips, but are more commonly associated with lower back pain where they likely form part of the same wider holding pattern.

Trigger points in the gluteus maximus

Gluteus maximus

The gluteus maximus is the most coarsely fibered and heaviest muscle in the body, forming the bulk of the buttock. The upper fibers laterally rotate the hip joint and may also assist in abduction of that joint. The lower fibers extend and laterally rotate the hip joint (ex. forceful extension, as in running or rising from sitting). Through its insertion into the IT tract, the gluteus maximus also helps to stabilize the knee in extension.

Whilst trigger points in the gluteus maximus will often refer pain locally to the buttocks and hips, they are more commonly associated with lower back pain where they likely form part of the wider holding pattern.