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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Recovery and Rest:
- Allow adequate recovery time after workouts. Consider reducing the frequency of intense lower body sessions until you notice improvement.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!