Piriformis is the muscle situated in the buttocks and helps to move thighs side to side. Spasm of the piriformis muscle causes pain in the buttocks.

Sometimes it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, irritate a sciatic nerve and causes symptoms like sciatica.

What is the Cause?

Usually the piriformis muscle is in constant use while walking and shifting the body weight from one side to another side. Muscles can become irritated with too much exercise.

Here are some common causes:

• Spasm or tightness in the muscles
• Direct injury like fall on the buttocks
• Lifting heavy objects
• Constant direct pressure on the muscle. For example, sitting for the long time
• Overuse of muscle like running or excessive exercises (Extensive stair climbing)
• Accident

How do you feel?

• Tenderness of the muscles in the buttocks
• Pain in the buttocks and leg and gets worse with activity
• Pain after long time sitting
• Pain down the back of the thigh and leg
• Pain while walking uphill and walking upstairs
• Difficulty sitting comfortably

In some cases, if it gets worse, you might have severe difficulty doing your basic task like household chores, driving for a long time or working at the desk. It is so important to treat this and stop worsening the symptoms.

Piriformis syndrome can last for a long time if we don’t treat it immediately. Physiotherapy can help with some stretching and strengthening of the piriformis and surrounding muscles. Helps improve your posture and gait.

Here is the success story from the patient who got better after the physiotherapy.

“I came to physio with an old injury causing me pain to walk and climb stairs etc. Physiotherapists have really helped with therapy and exercises to ease soreness and improve strength. I am moving easily; much less discomfort and I feel back to normal”