“The gluteus medius should be considered in every running injury.” So says Sean Fyfe, an experienced Australian sports physical therapist.  He explains his reasoning:

“So many athletes with running overuse injuries of the lower limb present with poor gluteus medius function that I have come to the view that the strength and function of this muscle is probably the most important active component in the achievement of a biomechanically efficient running technique.”

Posterior View of the Hips

The deep-lying glut med muscle is normally associated with movement, but as Sean Fyfe points out, its key role in running is to act as a stabilizing force, to slow the downward drive of the pelvis on the opposite side during stance phase. This pelvic restraint prevents excessive hip sway or roll of the type that is classically known as “Trendelenburg gait”.

(this is why many Athlon Elite members and athletes spend so much time on Athlon Elite’s "pre-hab" routine)

But even short of the tell-tale waddle of a Trendelenburg, there are various adaptations that runners make to compensate for weakness in gluteus medius. These are summarized as follows:

How athletes cheat to compensate for weak buttocks:

There are three good tests that Athlon Elite performs on its members and athletes to test weakness of the gluteus medius.  If you’ve been having any of the above symptoms or problems and are not a member click the GET STARTED button at the top and schedule a consultation.  It’s easy and painless and can get you back on track and in great shape!