The gluteus maximus muscle is located in the buttocks and is regarded as one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is connected to the coccyx, or tailbone, as well as other surrounding bones. The gluteus maximus muscle is responsible for movement of the hip and thigh.
Standing up from a sitting position, climbing stairs, and staying in an erect position are all aided by the gluteus maximus.
Pain while rising to a standing position or lowering to sit may be caused by gluteus maximus syndrome. This syndrome is caused by a spasm in the muscle of the gluteus maximus. The pain usually disappears when sitting and affects only one side of the body.
Other causes of pain can be caused by an inflammation of the tendons or friction between the bones, tendons, and gluteus maximus muscle; these conditions are referred to as either bursitis or tendinitis. Treatments for these disorders include physical therapy or anti-inflammatory pills or injections. Physical therapists may try to put pressure on the joint of the gluteus maximus muscle and coccyx, or recommend exercises to reduce pain and improve range of motion.