PT for Piriformis Syndrome in South Windsor, Connecticut | Luna (2024)

FAQs

Who specializes in piriformis syndrome? ›

Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians can help you get relief from the pain and other symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome.

Physiotherapy maneuvers have proven to be effective in treating piriformis syndrome. Deep transverse massage, pelvic-trochanter muscle stretch, self-rehabilitation techniques, and proprioceptive pelvic femoral exercises.

Physical therapy, steroid injections, botulinum toxin injections, and dry needling are all potentially effective therapies with few adverse effects. Conservative treatment should be considered first-line for piriformis syndrome; however, minimally invasive procedures are available if treatment fails.

No test can tell for sure whether you have piriformis syndrome. Your health care provider, a neurologist (brain and nervous system doctor) or an orthopedist (muscle and skeleton doctor) can help you get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that works for you.

The treating orthopedic physician starts with performing a physical examination of the patient. During a physical exam, the doctor asks the patient about their history and daily activities. The doctor then examines the area and palpates the area to feel the piriformis muscle.

While walking may help relieve piriformis syndrome pain for some individuals and increase the symptoms for others, it is essential to maintain a regular, tolerable walking routine, which is helpful in building strength in the lower back and healing the tissues over time.

These symptoms often become worse after prolonged sitting, walking or running, and may feel better after lying down on the back. Causes and Risk Factors. The exact causes of piriformis syndrome are unknown.

Avoid activities that cause pain, such as biking or running. You can resume these activities after the pain is gone. Be sure to use proper form and equipment when doing sports or other physical activities.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, reduce inflammation and decrease pain. NSAIDs are available as OTC medications and through a prescription if a higher dosage is indicated.

How do you calm an inflamed piriformis muscle? ›

Use a heat pack on the affected side while driving. Heat therapy can help calm the muscle fibers and soothe the sacral area of the lower spine, preventing piriformis muscle pain from flaring.

Trauma to the hip or buttock area from a fall or direct injury can cause the piriformis muscle to become tight or inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. The muscle may also become strained or injured due to muscle imbalances or weakness, such as when one leg is stronger or more flexible.

If the muscle group is not conditioned for the repetitive load, pain follows. The piriformis is often a victim of too much, too soon. That is, the muscle is asked to do more than it is conditioned to do and it gives way, resulting in a chronic strain that cannot heal under its current load demands.

Most people who have piriformis syndrome get better with treatment and lifestyle changes. Failure to treat this condition can lead to permanent nerve damage, so be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

A common surgical option that peripheral nerve surgeons use to treat piriformis syndrome is to remove the piriformis muscle which compresses the lumbosacral plexus and the sciatic nerve deep within the pelvis, and to release these structures from other tethering structures like scar tissue or thick fibrous bands.

I'd go as far as to say that a good rehab-focused chiropractor is the best doctor to see for piriformis syndrome. Chiropractors provide safe, effective, and cost-effective treatments to relieve piriformis pain.

To treat pain in your buttocks, you should see your primary care provider, a rheumatologist, or an orthopedic specialist. Your doctor will tailor your treatment to the cause of your pain. Your doctor may recommend: corticosteroid injections to bring down inflammation.

Individuals with jobs requiring prolonged periods of sitting, such as office work and truck drivers, may be at increased risk of developing piriformis syndrome.