How Do You Treat Piriformis Pain?

The Piriformis is a flat muscle and the most superficial muscle of the deep gluteal muscles that rotate the femur during hip extension and abducts the femur during flexion of the hip. This muscle travels through the opening of the pelvic bone, or the “sciatic notch,” which allows the sciatic nerve to travel into the leg. So how do you treat Piriformis pain? The experts at Manhattan Sports Medicine and Wellness Group, physical therapy near Rockefeller center, can help here: Here the muscle and nerve are squished together, likely causing pain and a condition known as Piriformis Syndrome. Symptoms can include: physical therapy near rockefeller center

  • Pain while sitting.
  • Muscle Spasms. 
  • General pain localized in the lower back region.
  • Sciatica – sharp pain that radiates from the lower back down through the leg.

Treatment:

Medication is usually the first step in the treatment process. For Piriformis pain, your doctor may recommend pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and/or anti-inflammatories along with rest. If, after proper rest, pain persists, the main course of treatment involving physical therapy, stretching, and exercising regimen may be enacted. Most stretches and exercises are simple enough and can be done at home without assistance after consultation with a doctor. Your doctor may also recommend some simple lifestyle changes. For example, a common cause of piriformis pain and the syndrome is prolonged sitting. Another common cause is sitting with an item in your back pocket, such as a wallet, putting pressure on your muscle. Avoiding these activities and other ones that cause the condition will be recommended. 

 If still no relief is felt, more invasive approaches are available. Injections, such as a local anesthetic or a corticosteroid, can be given to dampen the overactivity of the nerve and muscle. However, a final option would be to get surgery to remove portions of the Piriformis muscle or tendon for relief will be discussed.    

Contact MSM Physical Therapy Near Rockefeller Center!

Don’t let the Piriformis pain stop you or a loved one from doing what they love. Find a solution! Contact our experts at Manhattan Sports Medicine and Wellness Group, physical therapy near rockefeller center, to help diagnose and treat your discomfort today!