How Faith in Motion Performance Therapy treats Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica

What Is Piriformis Syndrome?

The piriformis is a small, deep muscle located in the buttock beneath the glute muscles. Its primary role is to assist with external rotation of the hip. Piriformis Syndrome occurs when this muscle becomes tight, irritated, or goes into spasm, leading to compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs either beneath or, in some people, through the piriformis muscle.

The Two Types of Piriformis Syndrome

1. Primary Piriformis Syndrome

Primary Piriformis Syndrome is caused by anatomical variations involving the piriformis muscle or the sciatic nerve. These structural differences can increase the likelihood of nerve compression.

Common anatomical variations include:

• The sciatic nerve passing through or splitting around the piriformis

• Abnormal shape or size of the piriformis muscle

• Congenital (from birth) structural differences

2. Secondary Piriformis Syndrome

Secondary Piriformis Syndrome is more common and results from functional problems or trauma rather than anatomy.

Common causes include:

• Muscle overuse

• Muscle spasms

• Inflammation

• Gluteal weakness

• Biomechanical dysfunction

• Prolonged sitting

• Repetitive activities

• Direct injury to the buttock or hip

Signs and Symptoms of Both Types

• Deep buttock pain

• Pain radiating down the back of the thigh

• Pain worsened by sitting, climbing stairs, or hip rotation

• Tenderness over the piriformis muscle

• Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve pathway

Treatment Options

For Primary Piriformis Syndrome

• Gentle stretching and mobility exercises

• Sciatic nerve gliding techniques

• Pain management strategies, including heat and NSAIDs

• individualized plans to address anatomical compression and improve comfort

For Secondary Piriformis Syndrome

• Targeted piriformis stretching

• Hip mobility work

• Gluteal strengthening to improve stability

• Core stabilization

• treatment plans that correct movement dysfunction and reduce muscle irritation

How Faith in Motion Can Help

Faith in Motion offers personalized treatment plans based on the type of piriformis syndrome you’re experiencing. Our approach may include:

• Dry needling with E-stim for pain control

• Stretching and joint mobilization to restore range of motion

• Strengthening exercises tailored to correct weakness or imbalance

Our goal is to relieve your symptoms, improve mobility, and help you return to pain-free movement.