Vente Pain Relief Clinic

Introduction

Piriformis muscle pain can have many presentations. For many who have suffered from this muscle becoming tight, you can understand the pain and discomfort. This video breaks down the different presentations of this muscle when it become dysfunctional. Watch the video to learn more.

The Piriformis is a pear shaped, deep muscle that lies in the buttock area. This muscle is a muscle that is important in turning the thigh “outwards” relative to the mid-line.

This muscle assists in exercises like the squat, lunge and running hills. It can also become tight and short when one sits for prolonged periods. When these activities are over done with a lack of stretching it can cause Piriformis muscle pain.

Piriformis Muscle Pain Presentations

Piriformis muscle pain can occur over a period of time. Over time when this muscle becomes over worked it can become very tight and cause pain and discomfort. This can be remedied via deep tissue massage to the gluteal region. These are some of the more common presentations:

1. The pain can be local to the buttock region and feel deep. This is usually the first stage of discomfort and can be worked through via stretching, foam rolling and pressure points. Typically this can occur from sitting for prolonged periods or over doing exercises such as the squat or running hills.
2. It can also cause lower back discomfort. The Piriformis attaches to the Sacrum. If one side is tighter, it can cause the Sacrum to be “offset.” Usually, when I assess with my hands, I can tell that the Sacrum is uneven. It does not sit evenly on the Pelvis. This can cause an irritation of the Sacroiliac region. The muscles in that are can also become spasmed, causing pain.
3. Piriformis muscle pain can be caused If the muscle is extremely tight. it can press on the Sciatic nerve which runs underneath the muscle. This can cause Sciatic-like symptoms such as pain that travels down the thigh and leg. It is important to note that differentiating between “pure Sciatica” and sciatic-like symptoms is crucial. Understanding whether these symptoms are caused by tight Piriformis muscles can impact the approach to treatment. Understanding this can sway treatment impact significantly.
4. Trigger points in the muscle. The trigger points can mimic pain and discomfort of both pure sciatica and tight Piriformis pressing on the Sciatic nerve. The trigger point can refer down the thigh and leg. At times it can also refer into the heel

Piriformis muscle pain is treatable. As a therapist Piriformis syndrome is a very common condition that patients suffer from. Deep tissue massage and treatments to the fascia is a viable option. The muscle is deep in the glute and hip area. This requires more of an aggressive approach. This can be especially true for athletes that can have more developed muscles. The treatments can be uncomfortable but can cause a positive impact on symptoms or Piriformis muscle pain.

Have you had Piriformis syndrome? What was your experience like? Let us know.

To learn more about the ways the Piriformis can cause pain. Watch the video.

It is advisable to connect with a therapist to assess for Piriformis syndrome. If you suspect that the Piriformis is causing your pain, please contact us. We can discuss treatment options together.

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