What is Gluteus Medius Weakness?
The gluteus medius muscle may be smaller than the main butt muscle, the gluteus maximus, but its role in the body is just as important if not greater. The gluteus medius is one of the main muscles responsible for keeping the hips stable throughout standing, walking, and running by preventing pelvic dropping during movements. As the gluteus medius becomes weaker, other surrounding muscles have to compensate to improve stability, and this dysfunction can lead to many more problems in the future.
Why does this weakness matter?
Gluteus medius weakness has caused improper functions in the lower back, hip and knees, and has been associated with low back pain and tightness in the gluteal area. In addition, gluteus medius weakness can contribute to other conditions such as iliotibial band syndrome, osteoarthritis, and lumbar degenerative diseases.
What can I do to fix this?
Gluteus medius strengthening exercises can alleviate pain, improve functionality of surrounding muscles, and decrease symptoms related to the weakness such low back pain and tightness. Research has found that a 3-week glute medius strengthening program has reduced low back pain in individuals by 48 percent. Some exercises that have been shown to improve glute medius weakness are side-lying hip abduction and side bridge.