The Hidden Culprit Behind Lower Back & Sacral Pain - Gluteus Medius
When we think about hip strength, the Gluteus Maximus often takes center stage. It’s the powerhouse muscle responsible for speed, power, and movement. However, its lesser-known counterpart—the Gluteus Medius—plays a critical role in hip stability, balance, and pain prevention. When weak, tight, or dysfunctional, this muscle can lead to lower back pain, sacral discomfort, and SI joint issues.
Common Symptoms of Gluteus Medius Dysfunction
If your Gluteus Medius is not functioning properly, you may experience:
Deep, aching pain in the lower back and side of the hip
Upper hip discomfort and referral pain to the sacrum, SI joint, buttocks, and upper thigh
Weakness and instability, making it hard to balance or stand on one leg
Common Complaints Linked to Gluteus Medius Dysfunction
Pain while walking – Weakness in the Gluteus Medius can cause pelvic instability, leading to discomfort with every step.
Pain when lying on the affected side – Pressure on the Gluteus Medius while sleeping can aggravate trigger points, worsening pain.
Pain after prolonged sitting – Sitting for too long can lead to tightness and stiffness, making standing up uncomfortable.
Why Is the Gluteus Medius So Important?
The Gluteus Medius plays a key role in stabilizing the hip and pelvis, especially during single-leg activities like walking, running, and climbing stairs. When it becomes weak or overworked, the body compensates by overusing the hip flexors and inner thigh muscles, leading to tightness, imbalance, and chronic pain.
If left untreated, this dysfunction can create poor movement patterns, affecting not just your hip, but also your lower back, sacrum, and SI joint.
How to Fix Gluteus Medius Dysfunction
✅ Dry Needling for Trigger Points
Dry needling helps release tight knots, reset dysfunctional muscle patterns, and reduce pain by improving blood flow to the affected areas. It’s particularly effective for Gluteus Medius tightness, lower back pain, and hip instability.
✅ Targeted Release Techniques
Manual therapy, myofascial release, and soft tissue work can help break up adhesions, improve circulation, and restore movement in the hip and lower back region.
✅ Strengthening & Mobility Exercises
Strengthening the Gluteus Medius through targeted activation drills improves pelvic stability, posture, and movement efficiency, preventing pain from recurring.
Take Action: Get Relief for Hip & Lower Back Pain
If you’re struggling with hip instability, SI joint pain, or lower back discomfort, addressing the Gluteus Medius could be the missing link to lasting relief. Dry needling, manual therapy, and strength training can help you move pain-free and regain full mobility.
📅 Book a session today to eliminate pain and restore function!
Resources
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G., & Simons, L. S. (2018). Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (3rd ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Physiopedia. Gluteus Medius.
Álvarez, S. D., Saornil, J. V., Milá, Z. S., Crespo, G. J., Chekroun, A. C., Casas, J. M. B., Llanes, R. F., & Sanz, D. R. (2022).Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Ischemic Trigger Point Compression in the Gluteus Medius in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Short-Term Clinical Trial.International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12468.