We have been focusing on gluteus medius (or glute med) of late because of the role it plays in standing and walking. The glute med is a lateral stabiliser of the pelvis and is imperative in stability during foot strike. A lateral shift and/or drop of the pelvis is often associated with poor glute med control which increases the load through the lateral structures of the hip, most notably, the TFL.

You may have heard of “runner’s knee” or “ITB friction syndrome” before? This refers to a tight ITB (fascia which connects from the TFL to the lateral aspect of the tibia) most often related to an increased load through the ITB associated with poor glute med control. If left untreated, this can lead to trochanteric bursitis in which the bursae surrounding the greater trochanter becomes inflamed and painful. Once again, highlighting the importance of lateral hip stability and glute med control.

Here in the clinic we see numerous patients with lower back pain in conjunction with one of the aforementioned conditions. Essentially, an imbalance in hip musculature (whether it be due to strength and/or tightness) can lead to mal-alignment of the pelvis. This results in an uneven distribution of load through the lower back and associated tightness and pain. By correcting pelvic alignment and control through glute med strengthening, this can inherently de-load the lumbar musculature and reduce lower back pain by improving lumbo-pelvic control.

Our next video will also be on glute med control so keep a look out!! 

To check out these and other videos, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6jg_4AAncg