Anatomy
Gluteal Muscles and Tensor Fasciae Latae
The glutes are among the most powerful muscles in the body. They steady the pelvis with every step and help protect the knee and lower back.
- Gluteus maximus
- Gluteus medius
- Tensor fasciae latae
Where is it?
Gluteus maximus covers the back of the pelvis and attaches to the thigh bone and the iliotibial band. Gluteus medius sits on the side of the hip, partly under the maximus. Tensor fasciae latae (TFL), at the front-side of the hip, continues into the iliotibial band.
What does it do?
Gluteus maximus extends the hip for standing up, climbing and running. Gluteus medius stops the pelvis dropping on the other side when standing on one leg. TFL helps bend and stabilise the hip.
Common problems
Each problem has its own detailed page: symptoms, causes, treatment and when to seek care.
How we can help
When to seek care
Book an appointment if hip or buttock pain limits walking, side-sleeping or running. Groin pain with inability to bear weight, fever, or bladder or bowel changes needs urgent medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Other areas of the body
Educational content: it does not replace an assessment. Your therapist determines the cause of your symptoms in person.