Muscles
Gluteus maximus
Powerful hip extensor and external rotator; the largest muscle in the body.
Overview
Powerful hip extensor and external rotator; the largest muscle in the body. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Across the buttock from sacrum and ilium to the IT band and femur.
Referred pain pattern
Buttock and sacroiliac region; tail-bone-like pain when sitting.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting, weak gluteal recruitment, downhill running.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Glute bridges, hip extension drills, sit breaks. Clinically: needling and motor control.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction