Piriformis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Piriformis muscle is a flat and band like muscle that is located in buttocks near the top of the hip joint. This muscle helps in the movement of the lower body as it makes the hip joint stable and as well lifts and rotates the thigh.

What do we mean by Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome is an uncommon neuromuscular pathology which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle. This compression causes pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and along the sciatic nerve path going down the thigh into the leg.

What are the potential signs and symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?

Pain in lower back or buttocks
Painful to sit on the affected buttock
Pain or tingling sensation down the back of legs
Pain down the back of calf & foot
Pain while mounting and inclining stairs
Pain increases with prolonged sitting
Reduced range of motion of the hip joint
What are causes of Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis Syndrome usually develops in the athletes who are engaged in forward-moving activities like runners or bicyclists. This syndrome generally occurs due to:

combination of weak abductors with the tight abductors
Stiffness or hypo-mobility of the sacroiliac joints
Overporonation of the foot
Overworking of Piriformis muscle
Dysfunctioning of the adjacent SIJ or hip joints
Work hip stability muscles
What are the Physical Therapy treatments suggested to cure Piriformis Syndrome?

Depending upon the severity of condition, pain and other symptoms, number of physical therapy treatments may be suggested:

Stretching exercises are prescribed to relieve sciatic nerve irritation.
Heat treatment is suggested to relax the piriformis muscle.
Ultrasound treatment is advised for the deep heating in buttock area.
Hands-on treatment like deep-tissue massage or soft-tissue mobilization is administered to relax nerve signals to the piriformis.
Strengthening of abductors and abductor muscles may be suggested.
Myofascial release and thrust techniques may be suggested to address the somatic dysfunction in the patients.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may be advised to restore patients’ normal range of motion.
Pelvic and spine re-alignment techniques are suggested.
Foot orthotics or exercises are advised to restore foot and lower extremity alignment.
Contact Alliance Physical Therapy for the state-of-art and efficient treatment of any of your neuromusculoskeletal problems or deformities. We use patient proven methods and techniques to get you back to your daily routine as soon as possible and make you as sturdy and healthy as before.