Gluteus Medius

Shown above is the pain pattern for the Gluteus Medius muscle. Pain is referred from the tailbone across the buttock to the hip and top of the thigh.

Activities Which Aggravate the Pain
Carrying heavy objects on one side of the body, reaching for objects above and to the side.

Positions that Aggravate Pain from this Muscle
Sitting in a chair that is too low. This figure shows where the muscle is located in the body and how it is attached to the bones of the body.

Anatomy Facts - Gluteus Medius

Muscle Action
Hip abduction and assists the leg with internal rotation. The gluteus medius also acts as a pelvic stabilizer when the opposite limb is lifted off the ground.

Muscle Origin
Outer surface of ilium between iliac crest and posterior gluteal line dorsally and anterior gluteal line ventrally.

Muscle Insertion
The oblique ridge on lateral surface of greater trochanter.

Muscle Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve.

Trigger Point Locations - Gluteus Medius

You can find your own trigger points by using your thumb or finger to press on the spots shown in the picture. They are not difficult to find. Or you can ask a friend or family member to help you. Press firmly in a step-by-step manner until you find the exact spot that is tender. That is the trigger point.

By pressing firmly on the trigger point, and holding that pressure for several seconds, you will discover the pain lessens dramatically. In fact there are devices that can help you do this. We recommend a device called a "TheraCane" that can be purchased at many stores such as Sammons Preston Medical Equipment that has a mail order catalogue that can be contacted at 1 800 323-5547. The TheraCane is their item # 5244. The TheraCane can use be purchased at many local pharmacies.

Unfortunately this technique, known as acupressure, or shiatsu, provides only temporary relief. Some physicians inject drugs like Novocaine into trigger points, but these offer only temporary relief as well, and can cause scar tissue in the muscle.

Isometric Contraction Testing - Gluteus Medius

A painful muscle will become more painful if it is forcefully contracted (flexed). Use this picture to test this for yourself with the assistance of a friend or family member.

Follow these Directions
Stand on your non-painful leg while supporting your balance with your hands on a counter or tabletop. Attempt to lift your painful leg outwards and slightly backward while your assistant prevents your movement by holding his or hand against your leg above the knee.