Mangiarelli Rehabilitation physical therapist Sarah demonstrates three exercises to address piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is a condition that develops due to tightening of the piriformis muscle, which can irritate and compress the sciatic nerve and lead to significant pain in the buttocks, hip, lower back, and back of the leg. The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located in the gluteal region under which the sciatic nerve passes that stabilizes the hip 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 neural mobilization.

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.

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.