Why Glute Medius is so Important
When it comes to talking about the gluteus muscles the GluteMax muscles are often mentioned. There are benefits to having a strong glute maxhowever, it is just as important to have a strong functioning glute medius andminimus as well. Glute Max and Glute medius both have three fibers and eachfiber has an action and function.
Action of Glute Medius
Anterior Fibers- Hip Abduction with internalrotation of the femur.
Medial Fibers - Hip abduction.
Posterior Fibers – Hip abduction with externalrotation of the femur
Closed chain Function
All three fibers stabilize the pelvis in the frontalplane’
Importance of Glute Medius
Lacking in the ability to properly turn your leg in or out canlead to several problems above and below the waste. Issues such as lower backpain or knee pain can be tracked back to a glute medius imbalance. If you can not turn your leg in it can meanthat your hips are rotated, or the posterior fibers are so tight that it willnot allow for normal range of motion. The same can be said for externalrotation in where the hips are rotated the opposite side and or the anteriorfibers are tight.
Pelvic stabilization is important because if the pelvis is off there is a good chance your posture and gait is off as well. If one side of your glute medius is stronger than the other, it could put your hips in a hiked position making one leg temporarily longer than the other. Imagine trying to squat or run and one leg is longer than the other. This imbalance creates more musculoskeletal issues all over your body causing pain and limitations in performance.
Corrective Measures
For some a decent workout program is enough build this area and prevent future problems. For others who are not as active and are dealing with other musculoskeletal issues a workout program may not be enough. If your anterior fiber is the only fiber that can contract and your doing leg abduction exercises, that fiber is the only one that is getting stronger. Therefore, if you continue a regular exercise program you continue to reinforce an imbalance that needs to be corrected. I would recommend you see a Muscle Activation Technique specialist or a Medical Exercise specialist in your area and have each muscle assessed individually to improve balanced contraction through all fibers.