Gluteus Medius Importance in Knee Pain

Done by Dr.vani&Dr.naveen

Introduction:- Gluteus Medius is one of the the three main gluteal muscles. The main function of the gluteus medius is abduction, or moving the leg away from the body.Its most important function is to provide stabilisation of the pelvis during single leg stances such as when running or walking. A strong gluteus medius can stabilise the pelvis on the stance leg and prevent the opposite hip from dropping downwards (known as Trendelenberg’s sign).

Relation of gluteus medius weakness in knee pain:-

When your gluteus medius muscle becomes weak, it allows your thigh to rotate and pull inwards abnormally. This is called a “collapsing kinetic chain.” This abnormal position of your thigh can put excessive stress and strain around your knee joint and kneecap(patella).

Mechanism:-

  • when the gluteus medius is weak, you are unable to properly control your femur. As a result it slightly rotates inward to compensate - which happens anytime you stand, walk, or perform lower body exercises like the squat for example.
  • when the gluteus medius is weak, you’re unable to properly control your femur. As a result it slightly rotates inward to compensate - which happens anytime you stand, walk, or perform lower body exercises like the squat for example.
  • Many studies agree with this and show a strong positive correlation between a weak gluteus medius and resulting knee pain...
  • Exercise for gluteus medius strengthening in knee pain
  • Pelvic bridges
  • Side lying hip abductions
  • Side lateral band walk with theraband
  • Side plank hip abduction
  • Clamshell with theraband side lying
  • Squats&lunges
  • Side lying leg.circles

Results:-

Gluteus medius play an major role for knee pain..
With one 2011 study by Dolak and colleagues demonstrating a 43% reduction in knee pain in just 4 weeks after incorporating gluteus medius strengthening exercises:
Scroll to Top