Physical therapist Chris
Kolba works on glute exercises with patient Jennifer Ernst. (Ohio State
University Wexner Medical Center)
America’s butt obsession has reached a fever pitch in
recent years. However, we often ignore the most fundamental aspect of
this anatomy: structure and support.
If we fail to acknowledge our body’s architecture, life can get difficult.
Chris Kolba, PhD, a physical therapist at the University of Ohio’s
Wexner Medical Center has witnessed a pattern for years in patients who
suffer from chronic back, hip, or knee pain. He says many of these cases
stem from a condition he calls dormant butt syndrome (DBS).
“It’s not a true medical diagnosis. It’s just a catchy term,” Kolba
said. “Patients get a little chuckle out of it, but it makes sense and
the point hits home.”
Deep in the trunk of the human body are gluteus muscles known as hip
flexors which connect the pelvis, back, and legs. These hip flexors
provide critical support and stability for our frame when we stand, and
smooth, even motion when we walk. In DBS, these structurally essential
muscles can become weak and tight, forcing nearby muscles to do a job
they weren’t designed to handle.
A diagram of the male muscular system. (stihii/Shutterstock)
“The glute is one piece of the big puzzle, and when one muscle is
tight the opposite muscle is going to get inhibited and not work as
efficiently as it should,” said Kolba. “The glute muscle is a big shock
absorber, a big force generator and motion controller, so other muscles
around the area in the back or around the knees start to compensate and
over time can break down and develop pains and sprains and other issues
we see in the clinic.”
From Couch Potatoes to Athletes
DBS impacts millions of Americans, and chronically tight hip flexors
are one of the most common problems physical therapists see. The
condition affects people at both ends of the activity spectrum, from
couch potatoes to athletes.
DBS is common in sedentary individuals because hip flexors get short
and tight when the legs remain bent for a long period of time. For this
reason, sleeping in the fetal position also contributes to DBS.
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