Piriformis Syndrome
Anatomy and Physiology of the Piriformis
● The piriformis is a muscle that externally rotates your hip
● It runs from the lower spine through your butt to the top of your thighs
● The sciatic nerve commonly runs underneath your piriformis muscle
○ The nerve travels from your spinal cord, through your buttocks, down the back of
each leg, to your feet
○ Fun Fact: It is the longest nerve in your body
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
● Sciatica nerve entrapment around the ischial tuberosity, causing pain in the gluteal region
that is characterized by sharp, shooting pains into the back of the leg
● When the piriformis muscle gets irritated or inflamed, it can also affect the sciatica nerve,
which results in sciatic-like pain
● It is uncommon, as it counts for <6% of those with low back pain
Most Common Causes
● Trauma to the hip or buttock area
● Piriformis muscle hypertrophy
● Sitting for long periods of time
Clinical Presentation/Symptoms
● Chronic pain in the hip or buttock area
● Pain when getting out of bed
● Inability to sit for long periods of time
● Pain in the buttocks that is worse with hip movement
● May have sciatica symptoms, radiating into the back of the leg
● Numbness and/or tingling in the buttocks or into the back of the leg
How Can We Help At ProTailored?
Our therapists have been specially trained to perform various hands-on manual techniques to
address your musculoskeletal limitations. Some of the manual techniques you may experience at
ProTailored Physical Therapy include:
● Manual therapy techniques
○ Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations
○ Dynamic and Static Cupping
○ Myofascial Active Trigger Point Releases
○ Muscle Energy Techniques
○ Dry Needling
○ Joint Mobilizations
○ Nerve Tensioning and Flossing
● Stretching
● Strengthening Exercises
● Education on correct body mechanics during functional tasks (lifting, yardwork, carrying,
squatting, cleaning)
The BEST Stretches And Exercises To Relieve Pain QUICKLY!! Try These Today!
For more on Piriformis Syndrome or believe you have this disorder and would like to try
conservative treatment, reach out to ProTailored Physical Therapy or call us at (260)
739-0300.