Unravelling the Gluteus Minimus

UNRAVELLING THE GLUTEUS MINIMUS; IT’S NOT THE SIZE THAT COUNTS, BUT HOW YOU USE IT

Presenter: Pizzari T

The deep hip muscles, primarily the gluteus medius and minimus, are

considered to be major stabilisers of the hip joint. This dynamic activity

is essential for optimal joint reflexes, increasing joint stability and

controlling joint forces. Atrophy or weakness of these periarticular muscles

has been implicated in the development, progression, and severity of

osteoarthritis of the hip and these deep hip muscles are commonly a

focus of physiotherapy rehabilitation for a number of hip conditions. The

gluteus minimus in particular has been theorised as being an important

femoral head stabiliser due to the alignment of muscle fibres parallel to

the femoral head, however there has been limited evaluation of the role

of this muscle. The prescription of exercises for the gluteus minimus is

based predominantly on its presumed roles and anecdotal evidence. This

presentation will feature our electromyography (EMG) and magnetic

resonance imaging (MRI) research into the gluteus medius and minimus in

the normal population and pathological conditions such as osteoarthritis

and gluteal tendinopathy. The normal functioning of deep gluteals will be

revealed and exercises to rehabilitate these muscles will be discussed. The

importance of the anterior gluteus minimus will be highlighted.

CPD Points: 0.5