Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/530196
ACTIONS All of the actions listed for the gluteal muscles occur at the hip joint. The standard actions (insertion/distal attachment moving toward origin/ proximal attachment) move the thigh at the hip joint; the reverse actions (origin/proximal attachment moving toward insertion/distal attachment) move the pelvis at the hip joint. Gluteus Maximus • Extends the thigh. • Laterally rotates the thigh. • Abducts the thigh (upper fibers only). • Adducts the thigh (lower fibers only). • Posteriorly tilts the pelvis. • Contralaterally rotates the pelvis. Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus • Abduct the thigh. • Extend the thigh (posterior fibers only). • Flex the thigh (anterior fibers only). • Laterally rotate the thigh (posterior fibers only). • Medially rotate the thigh (anterior fibers only). • Depress the same-side pelvis. • Posteriorly tilt the pelvis. • Anteriorly tilt the pelvis. • Contralaterally rotate the pelvis. Palpation of the right gluteus maximus as the client extends and laterally rotates the thigh at the hip joint against resistance. PALPATION Gluteus Maximus 1. The client is prone. Place your palpating finger pads lateral to the sacrum. Place your resistance hand on the distal posterior thigh (if resistance is needed). 2. Ask the client to laterally rotate the thigh at the hip joint and then extend the laterally rotated thigh. Feel for the contraction of the gluteus maximus (Image 4). Resistance can be added, if necessary. 3. With the muscle contracted, strum perpendicular to the fibers to discern the borders of the muscle. 4. Continue palpating the gluteus maximus laterally and inferiorly (distally) to its insertion (distal attachments) by strumming perpendicular to its fibers. ATTACHMENTS Gluteus Maximus Origin (proximal attachment) • Posterior iliac crest, posterolateral sacrum, and coccyx Insertion (distal attachment) • Iliotibial band (ITB) and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus Origin (proximal attachment) • External ilium Insertion (distal attachment) • Greater trochanter of the femur INNERVATION • Inferior gluteal nerve (gluteus maximus) • Superior gluteal nerve (gluteus medius and minimus)