What is myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain or trigger points in the Gluteus medius and Piriformis muscles can cause pain in the buttock area. A trigger point is a tiny localized knot in the muscle. The muscles involved may also be shortened and tense.
What are the symptoms of myofascial pain?
- Pain and tension in the buttock area.
- Pain may radiate into the back of the thigh, particularly when the trigger points are pressed (palpated).
What can the athlete do?
- Begin a comprehensive stretching routine for the muscles of the lower back, hip and groin.
- See a sports or physiotherapist.
What can a sports or physiotherapist do?
- Identify the cause of the myofascial pain and trigger points. They are a secondary condition which will have been caused by another problem such as low back conditions or a muscle imbalance or instability or the pelvis.
- Apply deep tissue massage techniques combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching.
- Dry needling or acupuncture may help release tension and lengthen muscles.
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Image 1: Gluteus medius
Image 2: Gluteus Maximus
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