The Gluteus Medius Muscle: Anatomy, Function, and How to Treat Its Pain

The gluteus medius muscle is a key structure in the gluteal region, known for its importance in stabilizing the pelvis and moving the hip. Located on the lateral part of the hip, the gluteus medius is one of the main hip abductor muscles, meaning it is responsible for moving the leg away from the body. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during walking and other functional activities.

Anatomy: It originates along the external face of the iliac crest and the gluteal aponeurosis, and inserts at the lesser trochanter in the posterosuperior and lateral area.

Clinical Importance of the Gluteus Medius Muscle

Dysfunction of the gluteus medius muscle can contribute to a variety of musculoskeletal problems, including lower back pain, hip and knee dysfunction, and gait disorders. Weakness or shortening of the gluteus medius can alter the biomechanics of the hip and pelvis, leading to abnormal distribution of forces across the body and increasing the risk of injury.

Along this muscle, myofascial trigger points can be found, which are hyperirritable areas in the muscle tissue. These trigger points can cause referred pain throughout the buttock, in the lumbar and sacral area, and in the back of the thigh. This referred pain can be perceived as a deep, diffuse discomfort that can limit mobility and affect the patient’s quality of life.

Pain in the Gluteus Medius While Walking: Causes and Treatment

Pain in the gluteus medius while walking is a common symptom that can arise due to dysfunction in this key hip muscle. The gluteus medius is essential for pelvis stabilization and controlling hip movement during walking. When this muscle is weak, tense, or has myofascial trigger points, it can cause pain while walking, limiting the ability to move normally and causing discomfort.

This type of pain usually manifests as a lateral discomfort in the hip or upper thigh and can radiate to other areas of the lumbar or gluteal region. Additionally, dysfunction of the gluteus medius can alter the biomechanics of walking, contributing to abnormal force distribution, which may exacerbate pain and lead to other musculoskeletal problems.

Dry needling is an effective technique to treat pain associated with trigger points in the gluteus medius. By identifying and treating these specific points with fine needles, therapists can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore muscle functionality, which helps reduce pain and improve walking mobility. This technique, performed by trained professionals, can be an effective option to restore stability and reduce discomfort in the gluteus medius area.

How Dry Needling Relieves Pain 

Dry needling specifically targets myofascial trigger points in the gluteus medius, which are areas of excessive tension within the muscle. By inserting a fine needle into these points, a physiological response is triggered that helps release muscle contraction and reduce pain. This technique improves blood circulation in the affected area and promotes deep muscle relaxation, which can alleviate pain and restore the muscle’s normal function.

Moreover, dry needling has the ability to restore muscle balance in the pelvis, which is crucial for improving walking mechanics and hip stability. As a result, patients experience less pain and greater freedom of movement while walking, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Application of Dry Needling in the Gluteus Medius Muscle

Dry needling has been successfully used in the treatment of gluteus medius dysfunction. During the procedure, the therapist identifies myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in the gluteus medius by palpation and then carefully inserts the dry needling needle into these points. Once the needle is in place, a series of techniques, such as needle movement and pressure application, can be performed to deactivate the trigger points and release tension in the muscle.

For applying this technique, the patient is treated in a contralateral decubitus position to the muscle being treated, with the upper leg behind the lower and the knee supported on the table. The needle should have a latero-medial direction, towards the iliac crest. APS needles of 0.30mm x 75mm or 0.30mm x 60mm are used depending on the area of the muscle being treated.

Considerations and Precautions

It is important that dry needling be performed by a trained and experienced therapist. Additionally, safety precautions, such as proper sterilization of the needles and careful identification of surrounding anatomical structures to avoid injuries, should be considered. Dry needling may not be suitable for all patients, and it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing treatment.