taylacannonphysio

Most people stop their glute med rehab too early. Clams. Band walks. Maybe a few holds. And then wonder why nothing actually changes. But when you look at the research… A systematic review and meta-analysis of 50+ studies on glute med activation found that not all exercises create the same stimulus (especially when it comes to reaching the intensity needed for strength adaptations). And that’s the key. Because clams do have a place: ✔️ Building awareness ✔️ Improving motor control ✔️ Learning how to find the muscle But they’re typically low–moderate activation exercises compared to more demanding, weight-bearing variations. So if your goal is actually building strength and improving function… You can’t stop there. Your glute med doesn’t just need to activate… it needs to control the pelvis, handle load, and stabilise you in real movement. And that only happens when you progress it: → Standing → Single leg → Through range → Under load That’s where the carryover happens. 📚 Moore D, Semciw AI, Pizzari T. A systematic review and meta-analysis of common therapeutic exercises that generate highest muscle activity in the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus segments. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020;15(6):856–881. doi:10.26603/ijspt20200856 #gluterehab #hipstability #gluteactivation #glutestrength #glutemed