A practical guide to when the glutes may be part of the problem, and which kind of massage makes the most sense. If the glutes are not working well — or are staying tight all the time — the hips, lower back, and legs usually feel it. The glutes are not just “gym muscles.” They help support walking, standing, climbing, balance, hip control, and lower-back support. Active people and sedentary people both get glute problems, but for different reasons. One group overloads them. T