Gluteus Minimus

General information

The gluteus minimus is a small triangular muscle situated in the posterior hip, deep to the other gluteal muscles, the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae.

Literal meaning

The smallest muscle of the buttocks.

Interesting information

Gluteus minimus is a synergist in hip internal rotation and abduction along with the gluteus medius, as well as being an imperative pelvic stabiliser when walking.

Origin

Gluteal surface of ilium (between anterior and inferior gluteal lines).

Insertion

Anterior aspect of greater trochanter of femur.

Function

Hip joint: Thigh abduction, thigh internal rotation (anterior part); Pelvis stabilization.

Nerve supply

Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1).

Blood supply

Superior gluteal artery, trochanteric anastomosis.

Relevant research

Gluteus medius or minimus tendon damage that occurs in the greater trochanteric region is a common cause for greater trochanteric pain syndrome and more widely and generally lateral hip pain.

Torres, A., Fernández-Fairen, M., & Sueiro-Fernández, J. (2018). Greater trochanteric pain syndrome and gluteus medius and minimus tendinosis: nonsurgical treatment. Pain management, 8(1), 45–55.

Mellor, R., Grimaldi, A., Wajswelner, H., Hodges, P., Abbott, J. H., Bennell, K., & Vicenzino, B. (2016). Exercise and load modification versus corticosteroid injection versus 'wait and see' for persistent gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy (the LEAP trial): a protocol for a randomised clinical trial. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 17, 196.

Gluteus minimus exercises

The hip hitch maximally activates the Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus muscles and has produced positive results when included in a hip rehabilitation programme for postmenopausal women.

Ganderton, C., Pizzari, T., Cook, J., & Semciw, A. (2017). Gluteus Minimus and Gluteus Medius Muscle Activity During Common Rehabilitation Exercises in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 47(12), 914–922.

Strengthening:

Glute medius and minimus muscle activation

Lying on your side, with your hips and knees just slightly flexed. Engage the deep abdominal muscles and think about gently lifting your knee upwards without actually doing it. Using the deep hip muscles, contract the muscles to initiate lifting your knee, but not actually moving the knee.

Stretching:

Glute stretch supine 2

Lie on your back and bend one knee to 90 degrees and with the other leg put your ankle across your bent knee. To increase the stretch, pull your ankle towards the body and push the opposite knee away from the body.