Piriformis Strain

The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle located deep in the buttocks,

below the glute muscles attaching at the top of the femur  and across to the

sacrum. This muscle is important in lower body movement because it stabilizes

the hip joint and lifts and rotates the thigh away from the body. This enables us

to walk, shift our weight from one foot to another, and maintain balance. It is

also used in sports that involve lifting and rotating the thighs -- in short, in

almost every motion of the hips and legs.

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Piriformis strain will usually start 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. Pain may also be

triggered while climbing stairs, applying firm pressure directly over the piriformis

muscle, or sitting for long periods of time.

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As always the best way to minimise the piriformis from straining or locking is to stretch, not just when you have pain but part of a regular routine.

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Otherwise we can help with:

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• Pelvis and spine re-alignment techniques. 

• Joint mobilisation to restore normal joint mobility, range of motion and function. 

• Help decrease pain and spasm in your piriformis and increase blood flow plus soft tissue extensibility.

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Fixing the cause not just treating the symptom !