Piriformis Syndrome | Sciatic Nerve | Self Help | Manual Therapy | Piriformis, Sciatica and more | Niel Asher Education Blogs and Articles blog

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a result of impingement of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle

Incorrect form or improper gait often leads to tightness and inflexibility in piriformis.

The condition occurs more frequently in women than men (6:1). When piriformis becomes tight it puts pressure on the underlying nerve, causing pain similar to sciatica.

The pain usually starts in the mid-gluteal region and radiates down the back of the thigh.

Piriformis Trigger Points and Sciatic Nerve Pain

Trigger Points

Trigger points are often associated with piriformis syndrome.

This may include cases where active trigger points in the piriformis cause the shortening and tightening of the muscle leading to impingement of the sciatic nerve.

In other cases trigger points in associated muscles may become active in response to the sensitivity of the sciatic nerve - i.e. part of a protective holding pattern.

Cause of injury

Incorrect form or gait while walking or jogging. Weak gluteal muscles and/or tight adductor muscles.

Signs and symptoms

Pain along the sciatic nerve. Pain when climbing stairs or walking up an incline. Increased pain after prolonged sitting.

Complications if left unattended

Chronic pain will result if left untreated. The tight muscle could also become irritated causing stress on the tendons and points of attachment.

Immediate treatment

RICER. Anti-inflammatory medication. Then heat and massage to promote blood flow and healing.

Rehabilitation and prevention

During rehabilitation a gradual return to activity and continued stretching of the hip muscles is essential.

Start with lower exercise intensity or duration. Identifying the factors that caused the problem is also important.

Strengthening the gluteal muscles and increasing the flexibility of the adductors will help to alleviate some of the stress and prevent the piriformis from becoming tight.

Maintaining a good stretching regimen to keep the piriformis muscle flexible will help, while dealing with the other issues.

Long-term prognosis

Piriformis syndrome seldom results in long-term problems when treated properly.

Rarely, a corticosteroid injection or other invasive method may be required to alleviate symptoms.

Keeping Piriformis Healthy - Self Help

Technique

Sit with one leg straight and hold onto your other ankle. Pull it directly towards your chest.

Use your hands and arms to regulate the intensity of this stretch. The closer you pull your foot to your chest, the more intense the stretch.

Muscles being stretched

Primary muscles: Piriformis. Gemellus superior and inferior. Obturator internus and externus. Quadratus femoris.
Secondary muscle: Gluteus maximus.

Injury where stretch may be useful

Piriformis syndrome. Snapping hip syndrome. Trochanteric bursitis.

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Niel Asher Education is a leading provider of distance learning and continued education courses.

Established in the United Kingdom in 1999, we provide course and distance learning material for therapists and other healthcare professionals in over 40 countries.

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NAMTPT AWARD

We are honored to have received the 2017 "Excellence in Education" Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists.

Since 1999 Niel Asher Education has won numerous awards for education and in particular for education and services provided in the field of trigger point therapy.

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Niel Asher Healthcare course instructors have won a host of prestigious awards including 2 lifetime achievement honorees - Stuart Hinds, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, AAMT, 2015, and Dr. Jonathan Kuttner, MD, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, NAMTPT, 2014.

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In addition to national accreditation for continued education, each course that we offer includes "NAT Learning Credits". By taking and completing courses you can accumulate NAT credits to qualify for NAT certification.

There are currently 3 levels of NAT certification. Certifying NAT is a valuable way to show your clients that you take continued education seriously, and to promote your skills and qualifications.

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Niel Asher Technique

Since 1999 the Niel Asher Technique for treating trigger points has been adopted by over 100,000 therapists worldwide, and has been applied to the treatment of a number of common musculoskeletal injuries.

The Niel Asher Technique for treating frozen shoulder was first introduced and published in 1997 and has been widely adopted by therapists and exercise professionals working within elite sports and athletics.

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