Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is often confused with sciatic nerve pain. A true piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve as it runs through the muscle. The irritation of the nerve can cause numbness, tingling and pain along the outer hip and along the back of the thigh.
The most common cause is due to tightness of the piriformis muscle.

Signs & Symptoms:

Treatment:

• Physiotherapy—a physiotherapist may use modalities such as TENS, acupuncture, ultrasound, manual therapy and exercise prescription
• Massage therapy—massage techniques applied directly to the piriformis muscle will increase the circulation and separate the muscle fibres to release the muscle tension
• Chiropractic Care—a chiropractor may use techniques such as acupuncture, Graston, Active Release or Manual manipulation to alleviate the pressure on the nerve
• Active Release Therapy—specific patterned movements are used to release the piriformis muscle
• Heat/Cold Therapy—during the initial stages, ice may be beneficial to help with pain control. After the first 2-3 days if the pain continues, heat may help improve the circulation and relax the muscle