Hip, Buttock & Groin Injuries/Conditions - Why has my muscle stopped working?

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Why has my muscle stopped working?

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Hip, Buttock & Groin Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about hip, buttock & groin injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=454
Printed Date: Nov 23 2024 at 12:36pm
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Topic: Why has my muscle stopped working?

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Why has my muscle stopped working?
Date Posted: Aug 07 2009 at 8:05am

Our user asked: "I was hit by a truck while riding my bike and my right butt cheek was super bruised and swollen for 2-3 weeks. Its 2 months later and my butt cheek looks fine, but I noticed the other day that the top muscle doesn't work at all. I can flex my butt cheek and only the bottom muscles will flex not the top. It's really weird. The muscle that won't flex feels a little sore when I poke it/massage it. My butt cheek visually looks different while relaxed too, which probably means that the top muscle has atrophied due to lack of use. I'm assuming the top muscle took the majority of the impact since the lower muscles work fine. I would go to a doctor but have no money, no insurance, and massive amounts of medical bills already from this accident. What's wrong with my muscle and how can I fix it? Thanks for the help!"

Ask a PT Response: "There are quite a few muscles in the butt. From your description it sounds like your gluteus maximus muscle might be affected as this is the muscle which is most defined in the posterior region. This muscle is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve and assists the hip with extension and external rotation. Are you experiencing some weakness with these movements or with activities which requires this movement (ie. squatting, kicking, jumping, etc.) ? If your gluteus maximus is affected than you will need to foucs on this muscle and work on strengthening and functional training. Without physically examining you I wouldn't be able to determine if this is in fact the cause of your current condition. "