11/04/2025
Do you avoid sitting, standing or moving certains ways for fear of shooting pain? Or maybe you are able to read this while ignoring the slow, constant, deep ache in your buttock?
One of the hip muscles located in the buttocks, the piriformis extends from the surface of the pelvis at the base of the spine down to the bony bump at the upper part of the thighbone. Piriformis syndrome happens when the muscle compresses part of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back through the pelvic floor and down the leg.
Symptoms can include pain, burning, tingling and numbness and be aggravated by prolonged sitting, walking and running. Additional symptoms may or may not include dull achy or sharp shooting groin pain. And due to the sciatic nerves relationship to the pelvic floor symptoms may include trouble passing urine, low urge orinability to control bowel movements.
Physical therapy for piriformis syndrome focuses on reducing pain, improving muscle function, & preventing recurrence through targeted exercises & manual therapy.
Specifically pelfic floor therapy treatment often includes, stretching, & strengthening exercises for piriformis and surrounding hip muscles. Treatment also includes myofascial releases, addressing posture, movement patterns, lifestyle modifications that may help to prevent recurrence of the symptoms.
