The Vital Glutes: Connecting the Gait Cycle to Pain and Dysfunction

by John Gibbons

Physical therapists and athletes will appreciate this thorough, illustrated study of the oft-overlooked gluteal muscles and their connection to the greater body In The Vital Glutes, author and respected bodywork specialist John Gibbons looks at one of the most neglected areas of the the gluteal muscles. He takes readers on a fascinating journey of enlightenment, teaching us to recognize pain and dysfunctional patterns that arise from the gluteal muscles.   Gibbons addresses such questions Why do the gluteals potentially cause pain and dysfunction in distant sites of the body? How does the gait pattern contribute to pain and dysfunction? And, how can the application of gluteal-specific Muscle Energy Techniques aid full-body well-being? In addition, he provides step-by-step techniques to identify and correct a number of impaired patterns as well as functional gluteal exercises that promote recovery.  With full color photographs and illustrations, the book demonstrates how to perform functional assessment testing for the muscles of posture that can become chronically tight—a principal causative factor in dysfunctional glutes. Therapeutic techniques, including gluteal exercises, show how to correct dysfunction and reduce pain. This book will be of great value to physical therapists, athletes, and anyone interested in bodywork.Table of Contents1. Putting the Maximus Back into Gluteus Maximus       2. Muscle Imbalance and the Myofascial Slings   3. The Glutes and the Gait Cycle    4. Leg length discrepancy (LLD), Over-Pronation and its effect on the Glutes5. Functional Anatomy of the Gluteus Maximus (Gmax)            6. Functional Anatomy of the Gluteus Medius (Gmed)7. Muscle Energy Techniques        8. The Antagonistic Cause - the Vital Psoas, Rectus Femoris and Adductors    9. Gmax and Gmed Causing Knee and Ankle Pain

Genres: Health, Bodies

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2014

Reviews

[Huye Lobo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book on how the puzzle of the body works. Chronic pain in the shoulder when running that can only be cured with exercises for the gluteus Maximus and other counterintuitive and fascinating stuff. Because of my mobility problems, I am trying to learn about how pain works.

[Herman Kaljo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive overview of the function of the glutes and how they affect the rest of the body.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gibbons is the master of the body and his book are always informative and appropriate for anyone wanting to better their practice. I would highly recommend!

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and to the point

For those who want to learn some basics about how the glutes contribute to lower back, knee, and foot pain, this is a great reference. Especially for students either considering college for a physical therapy program or PTA position, possibly a massage program.

I'd recommend getting the digital version, just in case you need to look up some of the anatomical terms or abbreviations.

[Megan Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful as a therapist

The book helped to make anatomical connections during my exam I hadn't thought of prior to reading the book. Excited to begin using it in my POC.