Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis is a flat, band-like muscle located in the buttocks. Its’ job is to stabilise the hip joint and lift and rotate the thigh away from the body. This in turn enables us to walk, shifting our weight from one foot to another and also maintain balance. Piriformis syndrome is thought to be a cause of sciatica when the piriformis muscle compresses or irritates the sciatica nerve. However, this syndrome does appear to be uncommon and is not the cause of the majority of sciatic nerve related problems.

What causes piriformis syndrome?

The sciatic nerve is a very long nerve and runs from the lower back, through the buttock and down the back of the leg before branching off in to smaller nerves. In the early stages of it’s path it runs alongside or through the piriformis muscle. It is thought that irritation of the sciatic nerve can be caused by spasm of the piriformis muscle. In many cases there is a history of trauma to the area or repetitive, vigorous activity such as long-distance running.

What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Pain in the buttock &/or back of the leg &/or foot
Pins & needles & numbness in the buttock &/or back of the leg &/or foot
Increased pain on climbing stairs
Applying firm pressure directly over the piriformis muscle

Physiotherapy treatment for piriformis syndrome

Early physiotherapy intervention can be extremely effective in the recovery from piriformis syndrome and is also essential in reducing the likeihood of injury recurrence.  Our specialist physiotherapists at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic will guide you through a graduated flexibility and strengthening program to promote healing and reconditioning of the piriformis muscle.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: