So, you think that your glutes are fine, you are working them out regularly, but something still does not feel right. Maybe it is one of the deeper gluteal region muscles I mentioned earlier, the piriformis being the number one culprit of many a discomfort. This muscle originates from the anterior sacrum and sacroiliac joint and inserts on the greater trochanter of the femur. Well, isn’t that greater trochanter a busy little area? Remember that all the gluteal muscles also have insertions there too? It is no wonder then that this can be a hot spot for things not feeling right. A deep tissue massage to the glutes can usually help relieve muscle tightness or reveal a weakness not previously considered, so maybe it is time to speak with a professional to work out what is happening.
Stretching
Can stretching help? Yes… and no. Stretching is considered by some to be ineffective and it is a long-standing worldwide debate as to the reasons why. The main reason being is that it is considered impossible to stretch a muscle longer than it is designed to be. In my opinion though, what stretching can do for you, is to unfurl tightened areas and bring the muscle back to where it belongs, length wise. I am not going further into the debate now, maybe in a future blog. Stretching the glutes is very quick and easy to do with no equipment needed.
Google glute stretches for yourself and see which images come up, and I guarantee that the one which has you sitting on a chair, with one ankle over the other knee and leaning forward will be there. Take a look, give it a go, see if it brings you any relief.
Another Option
Another option is to use a soft tennis ball, place it under the softest part of the glute when sitting down, and move about slightly to get a good compression into the muscle. Stop if it hurts and only do for a few minutes at a time. If you’re still not getting results, come and speak with one of us. It might be that you have an ache or pain somewhere else in your body and you have not realised, or simply do not know, that it could be originating in your glutes, your hip flexors, your knees, your ankles. Understanding all the connections of movement can be tricky at times, so come and be checked out.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this, and if you are at all unsure about your glutes and whether they are the reason for how you are feeling, please do get in touch with us here www.astralfitness.co.uk
Thank you for taking time to read this week’s blog – When it is Not the Glutes Being Tricky?
Don’t forget to get your next sports massage at www.astralfitness.co.uk. You can use my Booking Link or check out my website for a little further information at www.astralfitness.co.uk
We look forward to helping you.
Chloe & Jen