A strained gluteal muscle is a partial tear of the small fibers of the gluteal muscles. The gluteal muscles are a group of three muscles in the buttocks. This is not a common injury, but is sometimes seen in runners, dancers or other athletes.
A gluteal strain can be caused by:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting an injury. Risk factors for a gluteal strain include:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, your recent physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will also examine your buttocks for:
Muscle strains are graded according to their severity:
For a severe gluteal strain, you may have an MRI scan . Professional and collegiate athletes sometimes have MRI scans to predict the length of recovery.
Treatment depends on the severity of the strain.
Treatment usually includes:
Do not do activities that cause pain, such as running, jumping, and weightlifting using the leg, hip, and buttocks muscles. If normal walking hurts, shorten your stride. Do not play sports until the pain is gone.
Apply ice or a cold pack to the affected buttock for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days after the injury. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to help relieve pain. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about using these medications. If you still have tenderness in the buttocks while taking these drugs, do not return to physical activity. Check with your doctor before returning to activity.
Apply heat to the affected buttock only when you are returning to physical activity. Then use it before stretching or getting ready to play sports.
When the acute pain is gone, start gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by a healthcare professional. Stay within pain limits. Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds and repeat six times. Stretch several times each day.
If you are diagnosed with a gluteal muscle strain, follow your doctor's instructions .
To reduce the chance that you will strain a gluteal muscle:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
http://www.aapmr.org
American Council on Exercise
http://www.acefitness.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine
http://www.casm-acms.org
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Healthy Living Unit
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/fitness
Physical Therapy Canada
http://www.physicaltherapy.ca
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine website. Available at: http://www.sportsmed.org/ .
Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. Available at: http://www.nismat.org/ .
Sports Injuries: Basic Principles of Prevention and Care . Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1993.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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