This post was written by April Dawn Pletcher, PA, PPG - Orthopedics Angola.
Dormant butt syndrome, also known as dead butt syndrome or gluteal amnesia, is one of the many complications related to our often-sedentary lifestyles that falls into the musculoskeletal disorders category.
The gluteal muscles comprised of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are important in hip mobility, pelvic stabilization and posture. When we sit for long periods of time, these muscles are not being activated. Rather, they are kept in a stretched position and opposing hip flexor muscles are kept in a contracted position. This leads to gluteal weakness and decreased range of motion. Additionally, it contributes to overuse of other nearby muscle groups which can cause pain, alterations in gait pattern (the way we normally walk) and eventually injury. (1, 2, 3, 4)
Factors that contribute to dormant butt syndrome
Sedentary lifestyle patterns can happen because of the type of work we do, such as sitting at a desk or driving all day, or other conditions that necessitate prolonged sitting such as another orthopedic injury.
Pain in areas such as the low back, hip or knee may bring a patient in to see the orthopedic provider. Of course, physical examination and X-rays of the painful area will be performed. During the examination, gluteal strength will be assessed with resisted range of motion such as hip extension, abduction and rotation. The provider is also looking at the patient’s hip range of motion. The glutes may be palpated during range of motion to determine which muscle groups are actually being used and may be found to be tender or tight in areas.
Treatment
In situations of weakness, pain, tightness, etc., a referral to formal physical therapy or an at home exercise program will be given as the primary means of treatment. Keeping the gluteal muscles strong can also be accomplished by getting up and moving at least twice an hour when possible along with exercises such as clamshells, glut bridges, standing hip abduction and skaters. (3)
Maintaining appropriate gluteal strength helps to keep the body in proper alignment, while proper movement prevents chronic overuse of the surrounding muscle groups and painful conditions related to this. This allows for better posture and body mechanics to help prevent low back injuries in the future.
Resources
- Bhagat, Amisha. “Exploring the importance of diaphragm activation, gluteal activation, and their effects on gluteal amnesia, pelvic floor activation, clinical pilates for joints core training and precautions in exercise selection.” International Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 12, no. 02, 29 Feb. 2024, pp. 633–644.
- Burnwal, Shreshthi, and Sakshi Thakare. “Prevalence of gluteal amnesia among sedentary office workers: A cross-sectional study.” International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 2 Feb. 2026, pp. 1724–1726.
- Szloch, Ryan. “Harvard Men’s Health Watch.” www.Health.Harvard.Edu, Oct. 2024. Accessed 2026.
- Umia Jameel, et al. “Effects of clamshell versus gluteal bridge exercises on low back pain, gluteal strength, and disability due to prolonged sitting in females with gluteal amnesia.” Journal of Health, Wellness and Community Research, 2 May 2025.
