Hip and buttock
Gluteus maximus and medius, piriformis, iliopsoas
Related muscles
- Iliopsoas:Deep pain in the lower back and groin, cannot fully straighten the back when standing up
- Gluteus maximus:Buttock ache, weakness when getting up
- Gluteus medius:Pain when lying on the side, unstable standing on one leg, outer hip pain
- Piriformis:Deep buttock pain that may radiate down the back of the leg (sciatica-like)
Related acupoints
Massage and stretching
Massage method:Lie on your side or sit on a massage ball and press the sore spots in the buttock for 30–60 seconds. Avoid pressing directly on points that cause sharp pain or tingling.
Relief stretches:Supine figure-4 piriformis stretch, 30 seconds per side. Hip flexor lunge stretch.
Visceral referred-pain notes
Hip and groin: urinary tract (stones), ovaries, prostate, appendix (lower right), hernia.
When to see a doctor:Leg numbness or weakness, or tingling that extends to the calf: see a doctor to rule out a lumbar cause.
Related meridians
Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang、Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang
Frequently asked questions
How do I relax piriformis syndrome?
Press with a ball on the sore spots of the buttock and do the figure-4 stretch. Avoid any spot that causes sharp pain or tingling.
Does buttock pain radiate into the leg?
If the tingling extends to the calf or the leg feels weak, see a doctor to rule out a lumbar spine problem.