I am so excited about this.
I have not done this in a few weeks.
It is “dig into the research and see what is new when it comes to exercises and injuries”.
I know, it is a little strange but we all have our passions or weaknesses.
Let’s get to it. I found some great stuff for you.
Everything from your quadriceps to your calves may have been affected if you had a hip replacement. Because the gluteus medius muscles are located on the front and back of both thighs, they can be difficult to work if you have a hip replacement and have limited abduction. Here we’ll look at some of the best gluteus medius exercises for someone with a hip replacement. Even with a hip replacement, it’s still possible to strengthen this important muscle group.
Gluteus Medius Exercises They Tested
These are the gluteus medius exercises they tested in the study:
- Resisted hip extension
- Side-lying hip abduction with wall-sliding
- Hip clam exercises with neutral hips
- Prone heel squeezes
- Resisted terminal knee extension
- Hip extension
- Double-leg bridges
- Side-lying hip abduction with internal hip rotation
- Stool hip rotations
- Single-leg bridges
- Resisted knee flexion
This is a great list of exercises and a few of them are new to me. I will work on getting some videos up for you.
Highlights of the Study
The big highlight was the continuum they recommended based on their research. It is great. Here it is:
Phase I – Initial 4 or 8 weeks
- Resisted terminal knee extension
- Resisted knee flexion
- Double-leg bridges
Phase II – subsequent 4 weeks
- Resisted hip extension
- Stool hip rotations
- Side-lying hip abduction with wall-sliding
Phase II – final 4 weeks
- Prone heel squeezes
- Side-lying hip abduction with internal hip rotation
- Single-leg bridges
Key Exercise Rehabilitation Program Design Notes
- Exercises involving hip rotation were avoided in phase I.
- Hip clam exercises with neutral hips is an exercise that people with hip flexor tendinitis should be cautious of.
Last Word from Rick Kaselj
Not much to say, the program above is a keeper.
Here is one more exercise that I like for gluteus medius:
Can Hip Weakness Lead to Patellofemoral Syndrome?
What They Looked At
The study looked to see if hip muscle weakness was a factor that leads to the patellofemoral syndrome.
Prior to a 10-week “start to run” program, they tested the isometric strength of the hip abduction, flexors, extensors, internal rotators, adductors, and external rotators in 77 healthy female novice runners.
They had an orthopedic surgeon assess and diagnose the runners.
Highlights of the Study
They did not find any significant difference in isometric hip strength in the runners who ended up having patellofemoral syndrome and those that did not.
Take-Home Message
Isometric strength may not be the best indicator of the potential risk of getting patellofemoral syndrome in novice female runners.
Last Word from Rick Kaselj
I agree that isometric strength is not the best tester because I find fatigue to be a big factor.
Rick Kaselj, MS
If you would are looking for some exercises for gluteus medius exercises or gluteus maximus, this will help:
If you would like some more articles gluteus medius exercises, check these out: