The gluteus medius is one of three muscles in the buttocks that works with your other hip muscles to move the leg away and toward the body. It also assist in internal rotation and external rotation of hip joint. Constant exercises that repetitively move your hip joints, such as running or dancing, can overwork this muscle and its surrounding muscles and tissues. Therefore, stretching your hips and legs can alleviate tension and stiffness that causes faulty movement patterns and pain, says physical therapist Chris Frederick, co-author of "Stretch to Win."
Benefits
Stretching the gluteus medius with other muscles in your hips, legs and back reduces the stiffness in the hips that can cause hip, back and knee pain, says Frederick. By holding the stretch in your hips, you reduce the neural stimulation to the muscles, eliciting relaxation. Because the hips are connected to your torso and legs by connective tissues and nerves, stretching the area can improve mobility in your spine and ankles because the relaxation can influence those body parts.
Supine Hip Rotation Stretch
This exercise emphasizes stretching the gluteus medius without placing pressure upon your spine. You will feel a stretch radiating from your buttock and into your lower back. Lie on the ground on your back with your feet on the ground about hip-width apart. Cross your right ankle over your left knee near the kneecap. With your arms out to your sides, gradually turn your pelvis so that your outer left thigh and knee and your right foot touches the ground. This should stretch the gluteus medius and other hip muscles and lower back. Hold the stretch for six deep breaths. Repeat the exercise on the opposite hip by crossing your leg in the opposite direction.
Tabletop Hip Stretch
This exercise stretches your buttocks --- including the gluteus medius --- while maintaining your spinal posture. It also opens the nerve canal through which the sciatic nerve runs, reducing irritation and inflammation in the nerve and surrounding tissues, says physical therapist Gray Cook, author of "Athletic Body in Balance." Stand in front of a flat platform, such as a table, that is as high as your pelvis. Put your right outer thigh and outer calf on top of the platform, with your right knee pointing forward. Keep your torso upright and your standing leg straight as you hold the stretch for five or six deep breaths. To increase the stretch, lean your torso forward at your waist slightly with each exhalation.
Self-myofascial Release
Self-myofascial release is a self-massage technique that releases trigger points and reduces sensitivity in your tissues and muscles. You can use a foam roller to massage your hips by placing it on the ground and putting your buttocks on top of it. As you sit, shift your weight to your left buttock, and cross your left ankle over your right leg near your kneecap. As you roll up and down your buttock, you may find painful and sensitive spots. When you find one, gently rub the area up and down until the pain subsides. Breathe slowly and deeply to further relax your body. Frederick recommends that you use SMR before and after your workout to reduce muscle soreness and improve tissue mobility.
References
- "Stretch to Win"; Ann Frederick and Chris Frederick; 2006
- "Athletic Body in Balance"; Gray Cook; 2003
