What does it mean if you have pulled your gluteus maximus muscle?

When someone pulls or strains her gluteus maximus muscle, she tears or overstretches the muscle. This typically occurs during activities that include dancing, extreme jumping and running up hills. Weightlifting exercises, such as lunges and squats, may cause gluteal strains as well.

The gluteus maximus is the strongest muscle of the human body. The muscle moves the hips and thighs. It also assists other muscles when standing and rising from a sitting position. During these movements, a pulled gluteus maximus causes pain or a pulling sensation in the buttocks. This pain may last up to six weeks, depending on the severity of the strain, according to the Summit Medical Group.