Do you have a dull ache in your buttock when you sit down for an extended period of time? Do you have a surging pain when you are walking up the stairs or are going on an incline? Does your running routine now involve stopping every few minutes due to hip discomfort? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, you might be experiencing Piriformis Syndrome.   

If you suspect you have Piriformis Syndrome, you should seek an experienced chronic pain relief clinic that can help you get back on your feet safely. The pain usually arises due to the compression or the contraction of the piriformis muscle which may irritate the sciatic nerve. At Rebound Sport and Spine, our multi-disciplinary team will work with you to release your piriformis muscles and mobilize the joints that are contributing to your condition, which may include your hip or lower back. 

Our team of qualified and highly skilled chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists is dedicated to helping you feel like yourself again. With the proper treatments and rehabilitation exercises, you will experience a noticeable improvement in your symptoms and enhance your chances of recovery.

What causes the Piriformis muscle to flare up?

Piriformis Syndrome can develop due to tightening of the piriformis muscle, which can irritate your sciatic nerve. When this irritation occurs, it can lead to significant pain in the buttocks, hip, lower back and the back of the leg. Common causes of piriformis pain syndrome may include:

  • Abnormal development or location of the piriformis muscle or sciatic nerve
  • Foot issues
  • Scoliosis
  • Prior hip surgery
  • Past injuries
  • Lower back spasms
  • Tight adductor muscles
  • Repetitive strains due to sitting positions or repetitive movements like sports
  • Strenuous activities, such as a lifting injury 

What are some of the treatments that can progress the recovery of my Piriformis Syndrome?

With physical therapy treatments, you can restore the normal movement and range of motion you were experiencing before your injury. Since the piriformis muscle spans the lower levels of the spine, the pelvis, and the hips, it is essential to address your pain quickly as these areas are integral for every day function. 

It is possible to prevent Piriformis Syndrome from getting worse with appropriate use of the musculature and avoiding trauma to the lower back and buttock area. Through an individualized rehabilitation program, you will be able to get back to normal every day function without pain.

Depending on the severity of your Piriformis Syndrome, a number of treatment options will be available and recommended by our team. Working with you, we can design a customized treatment tailored to your specific condition that may include physical therapy techniques such as:

  • Targeted stretching 
  • Myofascial release to relieve tightness in the piriformis and surrounding soft tissues
  • Heat and ice therapy
  • Dry needling/IMS
  • Sciatic nerve flossing
  • Individualized programming of rehabilitative exercise

What activities should you avoid if you are experiencing Piriformis Syndrome?

While piriformis syndrome can be painful and bothersome, activity avoidance is not recommended as staying active is important in the management of this condition. However, activity modification may be helpful in some cases. For example, remaining in a static posture for prolonged periods of time may contribute to symptoms felt due to piriformis syndrome. In this case, it is best to move more and assume a posture that is dynamic. Any activity modifications depend on each individual’s specific presentation and should be discussed with your health care practitioner at Rebound.

If you have been living with Piriformis Syndrome, you deserve to get back on your feet and reach your active goals without discomfort.

When you find that your body isn’t functioning optimally or you are living with pain and discomfort, this can significantly affect your quality of life as well as your athletic performance. It’s time to get you back to feeling like yourself! Alleviate your Piriformis Syndrome condition with Rebound Sport and Spine. Because when your body works, life is good!

Book an appointment today to ease your Piriformis Syndrome with our professionally trained team!