Gluteal/Buttock muscles
Gluteus Minimus
General overview and locationThe buttock muscles known as gluteal muscles are made up of three separate muscles. They are called gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus minimus is the smallest of all the gluteal muscles. It has a triangular shaped and it is located beneath the gluteus maximus and medius.This muscle is found in the area of the hip and pelvis. It is located at the outer surface of the ilium, more precisely at the top part of the hip/pelvic bone. The muscle then extends down along the side of the hip and eventually attaches to a structure called greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is a prominent notch on the side in the hip area, which most people associate with the actual hip. You can feel the greater trochanter near the top of the femur, which is the long bone of the upper leg.
Gluteus Minimus and Sciatica like symptomsThe common symptoms associated with the presence of trigger points in the Gluteus Minimus are listed below. However, the most prominent and distinct symptom associated with trigger points in this muscle is pain radiating down the outer part of the thigh or along the back of the thigh. When these symptoms present, most people become immediately concerned about sciatica. While this can be true, in many cases the real culprit is presence of trigger points in Gluteus Minimus. Follow the instructions below to locate the trigger points in gluteus minimus and apply pressure over the sensitive spots. If your symptoms can be reproduced by this pressure, you are most likely experiencing pain due to the trigger points.
Gluteus Minimus Trigger Points vs SciaticaThe main distinguishing characteristic between true sciatica and pain due to trigger points in gluteus minimus is the type of pain sensation. True sciatica usually feels as if someone put your foot into an electric socket. You will feel sudden electric jolts going down your leg frequently associated with numbness. On the other hand, pain associated with trigger points is usually felt as tingling and aching sensation and while it can be quite painful, it is less severe.
Potential causes for developing G. Minimus Trigger PointsThere are many reasons why someone may develop trigger points in gluteus minimus, but some of the most common ones that this provider has encountered in his practice is being overweight and carrying heavy objects. Many patients present with sciatica like symptoms after their vacation. They usually report that they were carrying a heavy back pack and did quite a bit of hiking. Gluteal muscles have to contract with every step we take. The temporary state of carrying more weight than what the body is accustomed to, is what leads to an overuse of this muscle and development of trigger points. In military, many soldiers present with these symptoms after a long ruck march. This is particularly the case when they have not done any ruck march for a while and were suddenly tasked with a long ruck march in a full gear weighing 40+ pounds. Another group of patients which gets particularly burdened with trigger points in gluteus minimus are pregnant women. Many experience sciatica like symptoms towards the end of their pregnancy or soon after they deliver. New mothers develop hip pain frequently associated with radiating tingling and numbness along their thigh on the side where they tend to carry their new born baby.
Summary
SymptomsDeep achy pain in the buttockSometimes pain can be excrutiatingNumbness anywhere in the referral areasDiffuse tenderness in the buttocksPain feels deep inside the buttockPain may feel as throbbing sensationPain can be present with activity or at restPain when walkingGetting up from a chair is painfulLimping to favor the afflicted sideDifficulty crossing legsInability to lay down on the sideWaking up when rolling on the "bad side"Pain in the outer knee or legElectrical jolt like pain - pinch nerve? Location of Trigger PointsFind the hip bone & the pelvic bonePalpate the muscles between these two bonesLocate the most tender areas of the muscle Pain radiationButtock, down the back or side of the thighInto the lower leg as far as the ankle
Causes for development of trigger pointsSitting on a fat wallet = ''back-pocket sciatica"Chronic overload from being overweightCarrying heavy objects
Self acupressure of tender Trigger PointsStand perpendicular/diagonal towards wallBall is between the wall and your buttockFind the tender area in the muscleMove the ball horizontally over the tender spotFind a new spot above,below, slightly behindMassage all tender spots in the area
General recommendationsMove ball over a tender area 15-20 timesFind a new spot & repeat the processApply this massage at least 2-3 x a dayIncorporate into HOME TREATMENT PROTOCOL
Self Acupressure
