Treating the Gluteus Minimus using Trigger Point Therapy
Posted by Stuart Hinds on
Treating Gluteus Minimus, presented by Stuart Hinds
[Greek gloutos, buttock; Latin minimus, smallest]
The gluteus minimus is situated anteroinferior and deep to the gluteus medius, whose fibers obscure it.
Origin
Outer surface of ilium between anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
Insertion
Anterior border of greater trochanter.
Action
Abducts, medially rotates, and may assist in flexion of hip joint. Antagonists: lateral rotator group.
Nerve
Superior gluteal nerve, L4, 5, S1.
Basic Functional Movement
Example: stepping sideways over an object, such as a low fence.
Gluteus Minimus - Common Trigger Point Sites and Referred Pain Patterns
Referred Pain Patterns
A multipennate muscle with multiple anterior, middle, and posterior trigger points referring strong pain in the lower buttock, hip, and lateral lower extremity beyond knee to ankle and calf.
A huge percentage of leg pain, including sciatica, has a connection to gluteus minimus and hamstrings.
Indications
Pain sitting to standing, pain at rest/walking/side lying, night pain (may wake), hip replacement, sciatica/pseudo sciatica, leg length discrepancy, postural issues, hip pain in bed, arthritic hip, post hip surgery.
Causes
Sitting on wallet, sports injury (tennis, running, biking), trauma from fall, motorcycling, standing on one leg, sitting cross-legged, hip/ knee/ankle injury/fracture, leg casts.
Differential Diagnosis
Radiculopathy (lumbar). Sacroiliitis. Hip joint dysfunction. Sciatic irritation. Hip bursitis.
Connections
TFL, other gluteal muscles, vastus lateralis, IT band, QL, peroneal muscles, piriformis, pelvic alignment.
Trigger Point NAT Foundation Course
Treating Sciatic Pain Trigger Point Master Class
Treating Hip Pain & Dysfunction Master Course
About the author
Stuart Hinds is one of Australia’s leading soft tissue therapists, with over 27 years of experience as a practitioner, working with elite sports athletes, supporting Olympic teams, educating and mentoring others as well as running a highly successful clinic in Geelong.
Stuart has a strong following of practitioners across Australia and globally who tap into his expertise as a soft-tissue specialist. He delivers a range of highly sought after seminars across Australia, supported by online videos, webinars and one-on-one mentoring to help support his colleagues to build successful businesses.
In 2016, Stuart was awarded a lifetime membership to Massage & Myotherapy Australia for his significant support and contribution to the industry.