What is Piriformis Syndrome?
The piriformis muscle is deep in the buttocks and helps with rotating the hip. The sciatic nerve typically dives underneath the piriformis muscle as it makes it way down to the leg. With excessive sitting, loss of movement in the hips or trauma, the piriformis muscle can press down onto the sciatic nerve. Typically, mild symptoms cause aching deep into the buttock and often radiating pain to the outer thigh. With more severe cases, tingling, numbness or severe pain can radiate down the thigh.
How physical therapy helps Piriformis Syndrome
Physical therapy is very effective in treating piriformis syndrome. By analyzing your hip range of motion, muscle function, walking and posture we can determine the right approach to treating the affected area. With specialized hands-on therapy and specific exercises we help regain lost range of motion, reduce pain quickly and improve symptoms into the leg.
We teach you easy to do exercises and modified activities you can do at home to prevent the recurrence of the symptoms. Request an appointment at Austin Manual Therapy Associates in Austin, TX today to learn more how we can help you relieve the pain and symptoms from piriformis syndrome.