
Medication
Many of the treatments for piriformis syndrome focus on the wrong thing. They focus just on the piriformis and the sciatic nerve. This leads down the road of injections, TENS units, ice, heat, stretching, and massage.
Procedures
In the past, one of the most common treatments for piriformis syndrome was to stretch the muscle. However, we now know this treatment shouldn’t be used with everyone! Stretching the piriformis should only be performed when you have short piriformis syndrome.
Therapy
Piriformis syndrome exercise 3: Stretching your sciatic nerve The last part of your piriformis syndrome treatment is performing the sciatic nerve stretch. It’s for people that also feel a tingling sensation in their leg, which doesn’t always happen with piriformis syndrome. A protective layer covers your sciatic nerve.
Self-care
Piriformis syndrome presents as a pain in the buttock which then causes sciatica, meaning nerve-related pain down the back of the leg. If your leg pain goes down the front of your leg or into your groin, you are unlikely to have piriformis syndrome.
Nutrition
What are the treatments for piriformis syndrome?
Is stretching the piriformis safe for everyone?
What is piriformis syndrome exercise 3?
Can piriformis syndrome affect the back of the leg?
See more

What is the fastest way to fix piriformis syndrome?
1:066:32How to Fix Buttock Pain for Good (Piriformis Syndrome) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to simply rotate. Towards the opposite side of the top leg. So that my right leg isMoreAnd we're going to simply rotate. Towards the opposite side of the top leg. So that my right leg is on top I'm going down towards the left and just go down as far as you feel comfortable.
Does piriformis syndrome ever go away?
The pain and numbness associated with piriformis syndrome may go away without any further treatment. If it doesn't, you may benefit from physical therapy. You'll learn various stretches and exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the piriformis.
How do you permanently cure piriformis syndrome?
0:484:08Best Self Treatment Techniques To Get Rid Of Piriformis SyndromeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo self massage or you could go get a massage that's always awesome too. But that's definitely theMoreSo self massage or you could go get a massage that's always awesome too. But that's definitely the way to go that's the first thing you want to start with.
How long does piriformis muscle take to heal?
A mild injury may heal in a few weeks, but a severe injury may take 6 weeks or longer.
What are 3 common causes of piriformis syndrome?
Causes of piriformis syndromeInjury.Abnormal development or location of the piriformis muscle or sciatic nerve.Abnormal spine alignment (such as scoliosis)Leg-length discrepancy (when the legs are of different lengths)More items...
What aggravates the piriformis muscle?
Strenuous activities, ranging from a lifting injury to long-distance running and swimming, can aggravate and/or tighten the piriformis muscle, thereby squeezing on the sciatic nerve within.
How do I get my piriformis muscle to release?
If you need to release the piriformis on the left side, start by lying on your left side and placing your left elbow on the mat or floor. This will stabilize your upper body. Place the foam roller beneath the back side of your left hip, under your piriformis. Roll back and forth to release the tension in the muscle.
Is walking good for piriformis?
Piriformis syndrome pain tends to worsen after sitting for long periods or with physical activity such as walking. Most patients with piriformis syndrome feel better after lying down on their backs.
Can stretching make piriformis worse?
Stretches for piriformis syndrome. As with self-massage, stretching your piriformis regularly may also help loosen up the muscle and reduce your sciatica symptoms. Start slowly and be gentle. Stretching too far or too intensely could worsen your symptoms.
Can you massage your piriformis muscle?
Massaging your piriformis muscle can help ease tension and tightness in this muscle which, in turn, may reduce the pain and discomfort caused by piriformis syndrome. You can massage your piriformis muscle at home using a foam roller or a ball about the size of a tennis ball.
Can a chiropractor help piriformis syndrome?
Consistent chiropractic treatment can offer significant relief to those suffering from piriformis syndrome. Between a combination of spinal and extremity adjustments, chiropractic care can help to take the pressure of overly tight areas, realign your body, and keep your nervous system functioning properly.
What does a torn piriformis feel like?
Piriformis syndrome usually starts with pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks. Pain can be severe and extend down the length of the sciatic nerve (called sciatica). The pain is due to the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve, such as while sitting on a car seat or running.
How do I get my piriformis muscle to release?
If you need to release the piriformis on the left side, start by lying on your left side and placing your left elbow on the mat or floor. This will stabilize your upper body. Place the foam roller beneath the back side of your left hip, under your piriformis. Roll back and forth to release the tension in the muscle.
Can stretching make piriformis worse?
Stretches for piriformis syndrome. As with self-massage, stretching your piriformis regularly may also help loosen up the muscle and reduce your sciatica symptoms. Start slowly and be gentle. Stretching too far or too intensely could worsen your symptoms.
Overview
Causes
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Specialist to consult
Clinical significance
- Piriformis syndrome is an injury that creates pain deep in the glutes and possible radiating symptoms down the back of your thigh.1 Although weve known about this injury for decades (with research dating back to 1928), the exact cause and best course of treatment has continued to puzzle those in the medical field.2
Variations
- The piriformis is a small muscle that lies deep inside your hips underneath your larger glute muscles (glute max and medius). The muscle is essentially a lateral hip rotator, but it can also act to help extend the leg and keep it from collapsing inwards during movements like the squat. It can also function as a portion of your pelvic floor, help stabilize your pelvis, and assists in controllin…
Treatment
- So how do you know if your symptoms are due to a problem with your piriformis muscle or your low back? Here are a few simple tests.