12/02/2026
The super model waddle
The deep glute muscles that live under your gluteus maximus are a pretty important grouop of muscles and have been impicated in many lower limb and pelvic issues.
What do they do ?
One of their rles is to maintain a level pelvis when standing on one leg, which is every step while you walk and run.
Weakness in these muscles causes the pelvis to "drop" on the opposite side to the standing leg resulting in the trendelenberg gait or super model waddle;
Common features are
1) the thigh or femur rotating in too far.
2) the thigh going inwards to a valgus position.
3) Compensatory rotation of the tibia, (lower leg bone).
All this leads to a change in forces and reduced shock absorption at the joints in the lower leg and pelvis.
This movement pattern is seen in quite a few conditions we see at physio such as;
1) kneecap or patellofemoral pain.
2) Knee osteo arthritis.
3) Lateral hip pain, tendonitis or bursitis.
4) Achillies tendon issues.
5) Running related injuries, such as Ilio tibial band issues, calf strains, etc.
So can you do anything about it ?
A targeted strengthening program usually helps to sort it out. Stay tuned and we will put out a compilation of our favourite glute exercises.