Stretches for your hip abductors target more than one muscle. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus work together, but the tensor fasciae latae is stretched differently. The glute muscles are in the buttocks, but the tensor fascia latae is on the...
The hip abductors, also known as the outer thighs, are responsible for moving the legs away from the midline of the body. Hip abductor exercises are often performed for their cosmetic benefits, but a January 2007 "Journal of Athletic Training"...
The human body is composed of over 600 muscles. Each one has a specific anatomical location and size. As the name implies, the hip abductors are found near the hip bones. Due to their moderate size, they are responsible for stabilizing the hip and...
The hip abductors are a group of muscles located on the outside of the hip. These muscles act at the hip to draw the leg away from the mid-line of the body, such as during a jumping jack movement. According to a 2010 article published in "Current...
The term "knock kneed" describes what happens when the abductor muscles on the outside of the hip are weak. The knees point inward while the ankles point outward. If you have knock knees, perform abductor exercises to strengthen the gluteus...
The abductor muscles move the leg away from the center line of your body. Located on the other thigh and hip, the abductors include primarily the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae; however, the upper gluteus maximus and three...
Hip abductor and flexor strains occur when the muscle or tendon of the hip is stretched or torn due to overuse during exercise or sports. Often these injuries require several weeks of rest, therapy and medications to ensure the strain has been...
The hip abductors can be found on the side of the body between the glutes and upper thighs. The motion of extending the legs away from the body is known as abduction, and you need to focus on this when working your abductors. Exercises for these...
Propelling your body through space requires a complex interplay of your major muscles. The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gastrocnemius, soleus, and vasti create acceleration, according to an August 2010 paper in the "Annual Review of...
Hip abductors refer to muscles in your hip and gluteus region that move your legs away from the middle of your body. Strong and flexible hip abductors help you to avoid injury while playing sports or working out. The hip abductors can be...
Although the gluteus medius is the main hip abductor muscle to move the leg outward in a sideways motion, the hip abductor muscle group also includes the psoas, piriformis and tensor fascia latae of the hips; the quadratus lumborum in the lower...
Hip abductors consist of two muscles called the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. Hip abductors are in your buttocks, but function in hip abduction -- moving your thigh outward and away from the midline of your body. You can tone and strengthen...
The hip abductors, or gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, are important hip muscles that help contribute to the stabilization of the core, especially while walking or running. While one leg is in contact with the ground, the hip abductors are...
A positive Trendelenburg test or sign can indicate weak hip abductors including your gluteus medius and minimus muscles. On the other hand, a positive Trendelenburg test can also indicate other problems such as arthritis. Therefore, consult your...
The gluteus minimus, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus make up the muscle group known as the glutes. The glutes give form and strength to your buttocks and are responsible for abducting the leg---moving it sideways away from your body---at the...
Strengthening your core and hip abductor muscles can not only improve how you look by shaping your stomach and rear end, but it will also enhance your athletic performance while reducing your chance for lower back aches.
Your stomach, sides...
Healthy hip muscles are important for many reasons. They are key to maintaining good balance, keeping good posture and providing effective locomotion. According to physical therapist Mari Dieckman, MPT of Northern Arizona Physical Therapy in...
Multiple sclerosis -- often referred to as MS -- is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. MS is characterized by different levels of damage to nerves and myelin -- the nerves' protective covering. Symptoms...
The hip is one of the most mobile joints in the body and is designed to bear a lot of weight. However, due to its high mobility and the excessive forces places on this joint, the hip is prone to overuse injuries. According to ExRx.net, stretching...
Below-the-knee amputations are the most common in the United States, which has an estimated 1.5 amputees per 1,000 people, according to Orthotics and Prosthetics. Your physician will recommend hip abduction exercises to strengthen the muscles in...
Stretch your hip abductor muscles can help significantly reduce your risk for injury from a workout or sporting event. Using an inflated exercise ball can allow you to perform stretches you would be unable to do otherwise. Be careful to perform...
Debilitating hip pain can come in the form of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or trauma such as a fracture. When the amount of pain limits functional ability, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend a total hip replacement. Typically the surgeon...
You can derive functional, strength and aesthetic benefits from abductor muscle exercises. The hip abductors are primarily responsible for moving your thighs outward to the sides in a standing position with your legs straight, and when your hips...
The buttocks consist of the gluteus maximus, medius and minimus muscles. These muscles, along with a small muscle on the side of the body known as the tensor fascia latae, make up the hip abductors. When you have flabby hips, your goal is to rid...
Your abductors are responsible for moving your legs outward from your body’s midline. They spring into action every time you take a step sideways, and they contribute to greater pelvic stability when you stand on one leg. Weak abductors can...
The hip region refers to the lateral area where the gluteus maximus meets the thighs and pelvis. While the hip joint, referred to as the sacroiliac joint, cannot increase in size, you can perform a number of exercises to increase the size of its...
Swollen knees result from a number of a conditions, including dislocation, torn ligaments and iliotibial band syndrome. The fastest way to rehabilitate them begins with the R.I.C.E. method. The acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and...
You can develop larger gluteus medius muscles, or hip abductors, by targeting the muscle group with resistance training exercises. Training with free weights and doing a minimal number of repetitions promotes muscle growth by placing great stress...
The outside of the hips consists of a muscle group called the hip abductors. The job of these muscles is to bring your leg away from the body and also to stabilize the hips when doing weight-bearing activities such as running and jumping. The...