
27 Jul Physiotherapy and Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition in the hip where the sciatic nerve is irritated and or compressed by the piriformis muscle as it passes through the buttocks. This results in buttock and or hip pain, and altered sensation from the back of the thigh radiating down to the foot.
Causes:
- Overpronating feet
- Weak hip stabilising muscles
- Dysfunction of the hip and sacroiliac joints
- Prolong sitting
- Lifting heavy objects
- Extensive stair climbing
- Overuse from excessive exercise
Risk Factors:
- Sports related activities ie. prolong walking, jumping, running
- Sedentary lifestyle (deconditioning)
Aggravating Factors:
- Prolong sitting
- Prolong walking
- Squatting
- Standing
- Walking up hills
Symptoms:
- Persistent low back pain
- Hip pain
- Buttock pain
- Difficulty walking (with foot turned outwards) and/ or limping
- Pain may radiate from. Buttocks to hip to the lower leg
- Altered sensation such as Pins and Needles and Numbness from back of the thigh to the bottom of the foot
- Heaviness in the legs
Assessment:
- Your physiotherapist will provide a correct diagnosis of your condition based on your clinical examination, symptom behaviour and history.
Treatments:
Piriformis syndrome can be treated effectively with a range of physiotherapy techniques and modalities. It is important the following causes are addressed: spine and pelvis alignment, sacroiliac and hip joint mobility, piriformis muscle length and flexibility, deep core stability strength and the sciatic nerve.
Contact us today
Get in touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy if you’re dealing with Piriformis Syndrome. Our qualified team can provide a treatment plan to get you back up and running again in no time. Contact us to find out more.