Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/230373
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY legs crossed, may also trigger this issue. Note that several other issues may refer pain to the gluteus medius, including sacroiliac or lumbar facet dysfunction, and should be explored. Weakness in the gluteus medius may be observed during postural assessment. With the client standing on one leg, observe the ability to keep the pelvis centered over the knee and foot. Check both sides and note any pain or discomfort. Clients may also complain of pain when positioned sidelying, whether on the affected side, or on the unaffected side with the affected side stretched. Christy Cael is a licensed massage therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her private practice focuses on injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, craniosacral therapy, and massage for clients with neurological issues. She is the author of Functional Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Palpation for Manual Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com. Palpating the Gluteus Medius Positioning: client prone. 1. Standing at the client's side facing the hip, locate the lateral edge of the iliac crest between the gluteus maximus and the tensor fascia latae. 2. Slide your fingertips distally toward the greater trochanter, while pressing into the external surface of the ilium. 3. Passively rotate the femur externally to improve contact with anterior fibers. 4. Resist as the client performs abduction of the hip to assure proper location. Client HomeworkâTree Pose 1. Stand up tall with the feet slightly apart and the arms relaxed at the sides. 2. Maintaining good posture, fix your gaze at a single spot and shift your weight onto one foot. 3. Press your weight evenly into the ball and heel of your supporting foot, as you lift your other foot up and place the sole against the upper, inner thigh of the supporting leg. 4. Balance on the supporting leg, while maintaining a level pelvis and soft knee. 5. Bring your hands toward your chest and press the palms together. Editor's note: The Client Homework element in Functional Anatomy is intended as a take-home resource for clients experiencing issues with the profiled muscle. The stretches identified in Functional Anatomy should not be performed within massage sessions or progressed by massage therapists, in order to comply with state laws and maintain scope of practice.