Gluteus medius
Body region：Hip and buttock
Pain when lying on the side, unstable standing on one leg, outer hip pain
Function
Originates from the outer iliac bone and inserts at the greater trochanter of the femur. Abducts the hip and stabilizes the pelvis when standing on one leg.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting, carrying weight on one side, and pelvic instability when running or walking.
Massage and stretching
- Side-lying ball press
- Hip adduction stretch
Related acupoints
- Huantiao (GB30)：Outer buttock, in the depression above the back of the greater trochanter (easy to find with the hip flexed while lying on the side)
Related meridians
Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang
Posture and muscle patterns
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.