Check out our infographic on physical therapy for piriformis syndrome! Piriformis syndrome develops due to tightening of the piriformis muscle, which can irritate and compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain through the buttocks, low back, and back of the leg. Physical therapy can isolate the true origin of the piriformis syndrome pain, help relieve pain, and restore normal movement and range of motion in the affected area through stretching, manual therapy, and targeted strengthening.

What is the difference between manual therapy and massage therapy? Often manual therapy and massage are used interchangeably despite the fact that there are fundamental differences. Physical therapists provide manual therapy, which is a hands-on treatment technique to regain movement, activate muscles, and reduce pain and inflammation. Manual therapy includes soft tissue and joint mobilizations, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, manual traction, cupping, dry needling, lymphedema, thrust manipulation, and strain-counter-strain techniques.

Piriformis pain syndrome can develop due to tightening of the piriformis muscle, which can irritate or compress your sciatic nerve causing significant pain in the buttocks, hip, lower back, and back of the leg. The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle located in the buttocks directly above the sciatic nerve that stabilizes the hip joint and enables lower extremity movement. Physical therapists can relieve piriformis syndrome pain and restore normal movement and range of motion in the affected area through targeted strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and movement reeducation. 

Migraines and headaches can be debilitating, limiting daily activities, work, and quality of life. While neuro-vascular, nutritional, and chemical imbalances can trigger migraines and headaches, musculoskeletal dysfunction in the neck and shoulders is a common cause of headaches and can contribute to the development of a migraine. Physical therapy can ease headache and migraine symptoms, addressing the underlying neuro-musculoskeletal causes for safe and sustainable management of chronic headaches and migraines.

Migraines and headaches can be severe and debilitating, limiting a person’s quality of life, daily activities, and work ability. Migraine and headache sufferers often experience neck pain, tension, stiffness, and discomfort along with the headache and migraine pain. Physical therapists can help relieve migraine and headache pain without medication and address the underlying musculoskeletal impairments that contribute to the migraine and headache.