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Help for Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome describes a condition in which the piriformis muscle may be putting undue pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can cause severe pain and numbness felt deep in the affected leg's buttock and down through the foot. This is sometimes called "fat wallet" syndrome because a similar pain can be felt from sitting on a wallet in your back pocket for too long. Regardless of the name, there is help to relieve piriformis syndrome pain.

  1. Proper Diagnosis

    • If you or your doctor suspects you have piriformis syndrome, prepare to have several tests to ensure a proper diagnosis. Some doctors may not believe that piriformis syndrome actually exists but rather is the result of other conditions than a condition in itself. Pain in your lower back or thigh could also come from having spinal disc problems or a pinched spinal nerve, so your doctor may recommend MRIs and X-rays in addition to physical therapy.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy can help relieve piriformis syndrome pain. Physical therapists use a combination of stretching and alignment to "untangle" the muscle that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can also involve heat application and deep tissue massages. Another aspect can involve using a Botox injection into the piriformis muscle, causing it to paralyze. Pain symptoms will be relieved for a few months while the therapist works to loosen the muscle in the hope of providing permanent relief once the shot wears off.

    Self-Stretching

    • Piriformis syndrome pains can be temporarily relieved through stretching techniques you can do without a physical therapist. One helpful stretch involves lying on your back and putting your right ankle on top of your left knee, forming an empty triangle. Put your right hand through that triangle, interlace your fingers behind your left thigh and pull up until the thigh is straight in the air. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds before switching legs.

    Ultrasound

    • Another way of treating piriformis syndrome is to use ultrasound therapy. The piriformis muscle is located deep behind the hip and the buttocks, often making it hard to reach for a traditional massage. The use of ultrasound heat can apply deep-tissue relief to the piriformis without needing to have a lengthy massage session to loosen up surrounding muscles in order to reach it. Ultrasound also can be helpful to patients who have difficulty stretching or have limited physical therapy due to other medical conditions.

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