Gluteal Strains
With constant and strenuous physical activity involving the legs, athletes are susceptible to various types of muscle injuries and strains. These leg muscles include the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Among these, gluteal strains are a common type of leg muscle strain.
What are gluteal strains?
Gluteal strains are a condition that consists of a partial or complete tear of one of the gluteal muscles, located at the back of the pelvis. The gluteal muscles are composed of three major muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Of the three gluteal muscles, the gluteus maximus is the most superficial and the largest and heaviest muscle in the human body. The strains are classified into three types: grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. A grade 1 strain occurs when only a few muscle fibers are torn, causing pain. Grade 2 is when a significant amount is torn, and grade 3, the most severe, is when all of the gluteal muscle fibers are torn
Mechanism of Injury:
The gluteal muscles are used to stabilize movements of the hip, in addition to strengthening the hip and its supporting muscles. In their movements, they contract and rapidly involve the muscle in shortening. When there is repetitive and vigorous force during contraction, the muscle is at risk of tearing, known as a muscle strain. Actions that cause these strains can occur in sports such as track & field, basketball, baseball, football, and any other sports that involve an excessive weight load placed on the gluteal muscles. These movements can include:
Lunges
Weightlifting (i.e. squats, hip abductions)
Hurdling
Jumps
Accelerating too quickly during races
Kicking
Direct impact on the gluteal muscles
Symptoms:
Weakness
Swelling
Pain
Muscle stiffness
Tenderness
Bruising
Unstable feeling in hips
These symptoms commonly occur within hours or the morning after the mechanism of injury.
Treatment and Recovery:
When treating a gluteal strain, the main objective is to restore the normal function of the gluteus muscle. Some common treatment methods include:
RICE Therapy
Rest: To avoid high-impact exercises and activities.
Ice: Apply ice to relieve pain and inflammation.
Compression: Pressure applied using an elastic bandage to reduce pain
Elevation: To elevate your leg to relieve swelling.
Massage Therapy
Physical therapy and stretching exercises
Medications
Conclusion:
When dealing with a gluteal strain, the most crucial element is patience and waiting until full recovery before returning to athletic activity. Many athletes are eager to return as soon as possible, especially if they are in the middle of their sports season. However, without proper treatment, these athletes might be at risk of re-injury and even worsening a gluteal strain. It is important to communicate with coaches and, especially, athletic trainers regarding symptoms and possible risks of a gluteal strain. With the information given in this article, it is a priority for athletes to understand the fundamentals of a gluteal strain to ensure a successful return to the field, court, or track!
Sources
“Gluteal Strain: Megan Wolf, M.D., Orthopedic Sports Medicine Specialist, Greater Winston-Salem and
Wilkesboro, NC.” Treatment Winston-Salem | Hip Pain Treatment N. Wilkesboro, North Carolina, www.meganwolfmd.com/gluteal-strain-orthopedic-sports-medicine-specialist-winston-salem-nc/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2023.
“Gluteus Strain.” Gluteus Strain - Buttock - Conditions - Musculoskeletal - What We Treat - Physio.Co.Uk, www.physio.co.uk/what-we-treat/musculoskeletal/conditions/buttock/gluteus-strain.php#:~:text=A%20gluteal%20strain%20is%20a,or%20more%20of%20these%20muscles. Accessed 16 Dec. 2023.
“Pulled Butt Muscle: Gluteal Pain - Prime Care Physio.” PrimeCare Physiotherapy, 25 Sept. 2023, primecarephysio.ca/pulled-butt-muscle/.
Steele, Brandon. “Treating Runners with Gluteal Pain.” ChiroUp, ChiroUp, 4 Mar. 2022, chiroup.com/blog/treating-runners-with-gluteal-pain.