Hello there!
I want to talk to you about something that comes up all too often in my practice—the gluteus medius muscle and its notorious trigger points. You might not even realise it, but this often-overlooked muscle could be the very reason you’re struggling with nagging pain in your lower back, hip, or outer thigh.
Let me take you on a little journey to uncover why this small but mighty muscle matters so much, how modern life messes it up, and what we can do to fix it.
Meet Your Gluteus Medius: Your Pelvic Stabiliser
The gluteus medius, a quiet hero, sits on the outer side of your pelvis, diligently working to keep your hips steady and balanced every time you walk, run, or stand on one leg. It’s not a flashy muscle, but it’s absolutely essential for pelvic stability and smooth movement. Understanding its role can empower you to take control of your discomfort.
Now, here’s the twist—when trigger points develop in this muscle, they can cause a surprising amount of trouble. These tiny, hyper-irritable knots can mimic sciatica, create pain in the lower back, and even send discomfort shooting down the outer thigh. The worst part? Most people don’t even realise the gluteus medius is to blame.
How Modern Life is Torturing Your Gluteus Medius
Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t living the way our bodies were designed to. Modern urban life has us glued to chairs, staring at screens, commuting for hours, and moving less than ever. This disconnection from nature and natural movement is a big reason why the gluteus medius gets into trouble.
Here’s how it happens:
Sitting too much: Long hours at a desk or on the sofa shorten the hip flexors, forcing the gluteus medius to work overtime just to keep things balanced.
Lack of movement: Without regular, natural activity (think walking, climbing, or even squatting), the muscle weakens, circulation decreases, and trigger points form.
Stress: Let’s not forget the tension urban life brings—our muscles tighten under pressure, locking the gluteus medius into dysfunction.
The result? A muscle that’s meant to stabilise your body ends up causing chronic pain and discomfort.
What I Do to Help (And How It Works)
When clients come to me at JANMI Soft Tissue Therapy in Marylebone with lower back, hip, or thigh pain, one of the first things I assess is the gluteus medius. Why? Because it’s often the hidden culprit behind their discomfort.
Here’s how I tackle it:
Trigger Point Therapy:
I find and release those tight, painful knots in the muscle. This brings immediate relief by reducing tension and restoring blood flow.
Myofascial Release:
Fascia, the connective tissue surrounding your muscles, can get stiff and restrict movement. I work to release these restrictions, helping your body move freely again.
Personalised Exercises:
Pain relief is just the beginning. To keep trigger points from coming back, I’ll give you simple, effective exercises like hip bridges and side-lying leg lifts to strengthen and stabilise the gluteus medius.
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Treating gluteus medius trigger points isn’t just about fixing pain—it’s about reconnecting with your body. We’ve become so disconnected from the natural rhythms of movement that our muscles are crying out for help. By addressing these trigger points, we’re not only easing discomfort but also restoring balance and flow to your body.
Imagine waking up without that dull ache in your lower back, walking without that sharp twinge in your hip, or simply feeling more substantial and more stable as you move through your day. This is the power of understanding and treating the gluteus medius. It's not just about pain relief, it's about reclaiming your body's natural balance and movement.
Your Path to Pain-Free Living Starts Here
If any of this resonates with you, let’s chat. At JANMI Soft Tissue Therapy in Marylebone, I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I combine trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and personalised care to get to the root of your pain. You're not just another client to me, and your unique needs will be at the heart of our treatment plan.
Together, we’ll identify the problem, release the tension, and build a plan to keep you moving freely and comfortably. So, why wait? If you're ready to take the first step towards reconnecting with your body and feeling better than ever, I encourage you to book a session today. I look forward to helping you on your journey to pain-free living.
See you at the clinic!
Warm regards,
Paulius Jurasius
Founder, JANMI Soft Tissue Therapy
Comments