Functional Restoration Practice Test 2026 - Free Functional Restoration Questions and Study Guide

Myofascial trigger points in the gluteus minimus can create referred pain patterns that imitate nerve-root–driven radiculopathy, yet without actual nerve irritation. A straight-leg raise tests for neural tension in the sciatic nerve; a negative result makes true S1 radiculopathy unlikely. When the patient reports pain that looks like S1 radiculopathy but the SLR is not positive, this pattern points to a myofascial trigger point source rather than a nerve-root issue. The gluteus minimus trigger point can refer to the buttock and posterolateral thigh in a way that mimics S1 symptoms, which is why this description fits best. The other options describe pain in unrelated areas (wrist, ankle, neck), which don’t reflect the gluteal trigger point referral pattern or radicular mimic in the lower limb.