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Gluteus Minimus
Pointer Plus

Pointer Plus

The Pointer Plus is an easy to use trigger point (TP) locator which incorporates a push button stimulation feature to immediately treat Trigger point pain.

 

The Gluteus Minimus is a muscle of the gluteal region.

Collectively with the Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Maximus, they maybe referred to as the Glutes.

Anatomical Attachments:

  • Origin: Attaches to the posterior surface of the ilium between the middle and inferior gluteal lines of the greater sciatic notch.
  • Insertion: Attaches to the anterior margin of the greater trochanter.

Action: When the leg is extended, it abducts the thigh and turns it medially.

Synergist:  

Antagonist: Gluteus maximus, Adductor magnus (posterior part).

 

Click for Abduction Muscle Test 

 

Click for Internal Rotation Muscle Test 

 

Nerve Supply: Superior Gluteal Nerve (L4, L5, S1).

Nerve Entrapment: Like the gluteus medius, there is a possible invagination with the piriformis. While no direct entrapments have been attributed to this muscle, indirectly, it could serve as an active component with piriformis entrapment syndrome. Also like the gluteus medius, extreme hypertonicity could initiate a compressive force on the sacral nerves.

Vascular supply: Deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.

Travell and Simons Trigger Point Pain Referral:  

Click on a small image to view an enlarged image

 

Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: The individual is unable to lie on their dysfunctional side. After sitting for prolong period’s they have difficulty in rising. They experience buttock, lateral thigh, and lateral and posterior leg pain. The individual has the expressed inability to lie or walk comfortably and may remark that they cannot stretch to obtain relief.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Muscle overload, IM injection trauma, persistent tilting of the pelvis by sitting on a wallet, gait abnormality, sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Differential Diagnosis: S1 nerve compression, Trochanteric bursitis, Articular dysfunction, Degenerative disc disease, (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) Lower lumbar arthrosis herniation nerve compression (L4 or L5 radiculopathy), Sciatica, Intervertebral stenosis, Hip Dislocation, Hip fracture, Hip Pointer, Piriformis syndrome, Tensor fasciae latae syndrome, Bone cancer or Malignant neoplasm of the hip, Sacroiliac joint displacement, Coccygodynia, Reiter’s disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Intervertebral stenosis, Coxa plana, Pregnancy, Osteoarthritis, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex regional pain syndrome), Polymyalgia rheumatica, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cauda equina syndrome, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

 

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