GLUTEUS MAXIMUS (AKA – glut max)
This muscle begins at the top of the pelvic bone, working its way around to the hip bone, the lower part of the sacrum and the coccyx. It inserts itself into the iliotibial band (ITB). Other deeper fibres insert further down into the back of the leg.
The gluteus maximus is one of the most powerful muscles in the body and is mainly responsible for extension of the hip, as well as external rotation of the hip and stabilisation of the femur (thighbone). This muscle assists in powerful motions like stepping up, climbing, running, squatting and lunging. Being the largest muscle in the body, it should be kept strong and functional to help support the lower part of the body.
It can become affected from:
Overuse or misuse
Poor posture
Trauma
Weak hamstring
Overstretching
Side note: It is very important for the hamstring to be functioning optimally for the gluteus maximus to be working at its best!
If this muscle is affected, you will find great difficulty in activities like:
- Walking up stairs
- Standing up from a sitting position
- Pain into the lower back
- Pain into the hips
- Pain into the knees
- Decreased range of motion in the lower back and hips
Stretching/rehabilitation is one way of correcting gluteus maximus dysfunction to ensure muscle stiffening does not occur. Strength training of the muscle to help restore its function is also great! Not only does it strengthen, but it also allows blood and oxygen to flow to the affected area and heal the muscle faster.
If these modalities have not worked for you, have no fear! Chiropractors are able to correct the alignment of the spine and the sacrum through ADJUSTMENTS to ensure the nerves are correctly supplying this muscle. Through the various techniques in Applied Kinesiology, different tests to the muscle are used to find the ROOT cause of the problem and treatment is then provided to correct the imbalance.
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