Experiencing Gluteal Inhibition and Motor Control Issues Following a Fall
I am a 59-year-old woman in good health and fitness, adhering to a daily exercise regimen that includes spinning, weightlifting, and bootcamp workouts—essentially, I enjoy staying active! Nine weeks ago, I had an unfortunate incident where I fell backward onto a sofa armrest, impacting my left glute quite hard. Since that event, I have developed a persistent issue with my hip and groin. Comprehensive examinations, including X-rays and an MRI conducted on my lumbar spine, hip, and thigh, have revealed no structural injuries, hematomas, implant complications (I have a left total hip replacement), or nerve compression. However, I am experiencing: * A deep throbbing and aching sensation in my groin, outer hip, and glute region. * These symptoms seem to shift unexpectedly; at times my groin aches, and at others, my glute is affected, without any recognizable pattern. * While walking might feel manageable initially, pain tends to intensify about 30 to 90 minutes afterward. * I can engage in exercises without difficulty at the moment, yet discomfort surfaces later, particularly after lower body workouts—it's as if I pay for it after the fact. * Application of heat provides some relief. * I do not experience any clicking, instability, or sharp pains. * Notably, this pattern echoes a similar episode I had years ago, where no underlying structural issues were identified, and it eventually faded without explanation. * Prior to my fall, I maintained a strong and fit physique, exercising daily. Despite consulting with physiotherapists who are puzzled by my condition, I discovered through ChatGBT that my symptoms align with gluteal inhibition or a motor control dysfunction known as Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI). In AMI, the glutes may ‘switch off’ post-trauma, leading to overcompensation and discomfort in other muscle groups like the TFL, adductors, and deep rotators. This perspective certainly resonates with my experience. Has anyone else dealt with similarly persistent symptoms alongside normal imaging results, coupled with significant aching and throbbing, particularly following physical activity? If you have, I would love to know what has aided your recovery or relief. Thank you!
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 6:20:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating and persistent issue following your fall, especially since everything has been cleared on imaging tests. Your symptoms and history suggest that they might be related to gluteal inhibition or muscle control dysfunction, where certain muscles may not be functioning optimally due to trauma. Let's break this down.
Main Points
- Your symptoms indicate muscle control issues rather than structural damage.
- Managing pain and improving muscle function through focused rehabilitation is essential.
- Strategies like targeted exercises, stretching, and proper recovery will be crucial.
Explanation
After a fall or trauma, it’s common for muscles to not engage properly, leading to discomfort in associated areas as other muscles try to compensate. This can cause a deep aching sensation in the hip and groin region, common in cases where the gluteal muscles are not activating as they should. While no structural damage was found, your body may still be in a state of protective tension or compensation.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized actions you can take to address your symptoms:
-
Gentle Strengthening Exercises:
- Focus on activating your glutes with low-impact exercises. Start with bridges, clamshells, and hip thrusts. Try to perform these with good form while feeling the engagement in your glute muscles.
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Stretching and Mobility Work:
- Integrate stretching your hip flexors, quadriceps, and piriformis to relieve tension in the surrounding muscles. Consider yoga poses like Pigeon or Figure Four.
-
Gradual Increase in Activity:
- While you’re currently able to exercise, consider moderating the intensity of lower body workouts. This may help prevent the discomfort from escalating sharply post-exercise.
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Heat and Ice Therapy:
- Continue using heat if it brings relief. You may also find contrast therapy (alternating between heat and ice) beneficial for managing pain.
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Recovery and Rest:
- Allow adequate recovery time after workouts. Consider reducing the frequency of intense lower body sessions until you notice improvement.
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Engage in Physical Therapy:
- If you haven’t already, consider specialized physical therapy focusing on motor control and neuromuscular retraining. An expert can guide you through personalized exercises that may enhance muscle coordination and glute activation.
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Monitor and Journal:
- Keep track of your symptoms, including activities that seem to trigger or ameliorate your discomfort. This can help you notice patterns and effectiveness of your interventions.
Please remember that patience is key, as muscle control and healing often take time after trauma. Continue to listen to your body and adjust your activities as needed. Feel free to share your progress or ask for further clarification on any points.
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