Piriformis Syndrome and Massage Therapy
By: Ben Crabtree, LMT, CNMT
In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain
from various syndromes including Piriformis Syndrome. Like many painful conditions
Piriformis Syndrome responds quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome is the name of a painful nerve entrapment condition in which the
sciatic nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the piriformis muscle. The piriformis
muscle attaches to the sacrum bone of the low back to the top of greater trochanter of the
femur (thigh bone) and lies on top of the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle
becomes tight and enlarged, pain results from myofascial trigger points (knots) in the
muscle, pressure on the sciatic nerve, and sometimes from the S-I Joint in the low back.
Pain from Piriformis Syndrome is usually found in the extreme low back, buttocks, hip, and
often the back of the thigh. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect
both sides in some cases. Additionally, people with Piriformis Syndrome often have trouble
sitting for long periods and the pain may worsen when walking or squatting.
What is the cause of Piriformis Syndrome?
There are a number of causes for Piriformis Syndrome including direct blunt trauma to the
buttocks, prolonged sitting while working or driving, Morton's foot, or S-I Joint
instability. Frequent or prolonged running on canted surfaces and participation in sports
requiring quick lateral movement such as tennis, skiing, and basketball may also
overstress the piriformis muscle and lead to Piriformis Syndrome.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Piriformis Syndrome
There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Piriformis
Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the
condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger
Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the piriformis muscle. The massage
therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques
to release adhesions between the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues while also
using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the piriformis muscle. Piriformis
Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which
work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the
area. In addition to working on the piriformis muscle it may be necessary to provide
therapy for other muscles near piriformis and even to muscles opposing piriformis to
improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in
conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely
resolve Piriformis Syndrome.
Other Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome
While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Piriformis Syndrome
there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Anesthetic and Steroid Injections
Surgery
Other Names for Piriformis Syndrome
Pseudosciatica
Back Pocket Sciatica
Deep Gluteal Syndrome
Hip Socket Neuropathy
The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not
meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Piriformis
Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome please see your
physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy
and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Piriformis
Syndrome that could require immediate medical attention.
If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Piriformis
Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and
Bodywork practice or contact a Massage Therapist near you.
Author Resource: Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Instructor,
and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Crabtree's
practice is dedicated to relieving stress and pain as well as improving athletic
performance. For more information please see MassageByBen.Com
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