Dead Butt Syndrome: Seriously?? Yes.
Dead Butt Syndrome is the recently coined term for an inflammatory condition of the gluteus medius muscles (a.k.a. gluteus medius tendinosis) that results in sub-optimal performance…and a funny, waddling, walking gate. If the problem is left untreated, it may affect other areas, such as the knees, Achilles tendon, calves and feet. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/when-the-diagnosis-is-dead-butt-syndrome/
How do you know you have it?
- A deep, gnawing, aching, crushing butt pain may be some of the descriptions that people use.
- It may refer to the sit bones in your butt, or further down the back of the leg to the calf.
- It tends to be worse when sitting for a prolonged period of time or in the first few minutes of exercise, gets better while you’re exercising, then gets worse again later.
What can you do about it?
- Stretch: Your glutes need a gentle warm-up before exercise.
- Give them another break and stretch during, and after exercise. http://www.livestrong.com/article/520704-gluteus-medius-stretches/
- Avoid certain types of direct pressure: avoid prolonged pressure to the area, like sitting on a wallet for hours at a time.
- Cross-train: Variety is the spice of life. Muscle groups need a break and cross-training can help increase endurance and decrease your times. Give it a try!
What if it won’t go away?
- Get rid of the Trigger Points that cause this problem. Schedule an appointment with a qualified sports medicine acupuncturist who is skilled in the treatment of trigger points, often referred to as “dry needling”.
- It rapidly decreases the tension in the muscles.
- Allows the underlying nerves to decompress.
- Increases local circulation to the tissue (which decreases pain).
- Increases ATP production and enhances sport performance.
- Increases plyometric strength and explosiveness.
At Peak Performance Acupuncture Sports Medicine, its what we do, every day.
Stop the Dead Butt Syndrome Waddle!! Look for a qualified practitioner in your area, or if you live in Boulder, Colorado you may contact us for further information or to schedule an appointment. 303.668.9900
