Gluteus Maximus

Anatomy

Origin	Lateroposterior surface of sacrum and coccyx, gluteal surface of ilium (behind posterior gluteal line), thoracolumbar fascia, Sacrotuberous ligament
Insertion	Iliotibial tract, gluteal tuberosity of femur
Action	Hip joint: Thigh extension, thigh external rotation, thigh abduction (superior part), thigh adduction (inferior part)
Innervation	Inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2)
Blood supply	Inferior gluteal and superior gluteal arteries

Stretching

Orthopedic Test

Testing for: strength of the gluteus maximus

Procedure:

Patient is prone
The Patient’s knee on the affected side is flexed 90°
Therapist stabilizes the affected hip with one hand
Patient extends the affected hip and holds the hip/leg in extension
If patient can hold their hip in extension against gravity, it indicates Grade 3 on the strength scale
Therapist tries to put a downward pressure as the patient tries to hold their affecte hip in extension
Patient can resist the therapist pressure indicates Grade 5 strength

Assessing For: the length of the Iliotibial band and Tensor Fascia Lata

Procedure:

Patient is sidelying close to the edge of the table on the unaffected leg. Therapist stands behind the Patient.
Flex hip and knee of the unaffected leg that is at the bottom
Stabilize the Patient’s pelvis with one hand
With the other hand grasping the medial aspect of the patient’s affected knee, passively hyperabduct and extend the affected femur at the hip.
Allow the affected leg to lower without rotating

Positive Sign: the affected leg stays abducted and does not lower.