Piriformis Syndrome | Finding Trigger Points

Piriformis Stretch - See Instructions Below

Piriformis Muscle Trigger Points

Your Sciatica-type Pain Could Be Caused by Piriformis Syndrome

So called "Piriformis Syndrome" is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock region, spasms or contracts to cause a deep shooting type pain through the buttocks and usually down the back of the leg. 

This typically happens when the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve which runs close by the muscle and in some cases even runs through the middle of the muscle.

In addition to the shooting type pain, the symptoms of piriformis syndrome may also include tingling feeling and numbness also deep in the back of the leg and into and similar to common sciatic symptoms. 

For relief, try some very gentle stretches for the piriformis. We like the stretch below because just about anyone can do this.

The most important thing is to start extremely slowly and stop as soon as you feel any pain.

If symptoms continue or have been around for a wile, make sure to seek suitable professional advice before attempting any stretching program.

Technique:

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

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.

Note: 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.

Technique:

• Sit with the soles of your feet together and bring your feet towards your groin
• Hold onto your ankles
• Push your knees towards the ground using your elbows
• Make sure to keep you back straight and upright

Primary muscles: Adductor longus, brevis, and magnus.

Secondary muscles: Pronator teres. Flexor carpi radialis. Flexor carpi ulnaris. Gracilis. Pectineus.

Injury where stretch may be useful: Avulsion fracture in the pelvic area. Groin strain. Osteitis pubis. Piriformis syndrome. Tendonitis of the adductor muscles. Trochanteric bursitis.

Note: In order to regulate the intensity of the stretch, keep your back straight and increase or decrease the strength placed by your elbows.