injuries poisoning
Piriformis Syndrome
Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
Modification of activity Stretches Patients should temporarily stop running, bicycling, or doing any activity that elicits pain. Patients whose pain is aggravated by sitting should stand or, if unable to do so, change positions to remove the source of pressure around the buttock. Specific stretching exercises for the posterior hip and piriformis can be beneficial. Surgery is rarely warranted. A carefully directed corticosteroid injection near the site where the piriformis muscle crosses the sciatic nerve often helps temporarily. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also provide temporary pain relief. 1. Lie on involved side. 2. Keep shoulders and hips in line with ankles slightly behind the body with the knees bent approximately 90°. 3. Keep feet together while lifting left knee up toward the ceiling. 4. Lower and repeat. 5. Repeat exercise lying on the uninvolved side. 6. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 3 times a day. 7. Special Instructions a. For added resistance, place a band around the knees, start with the least resistance. Courtesy of Tomah Memorial Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Tomah, WI; Elizabeth C.K. Bender, MSPT, ATC, CSCS; and Whitney Gnewikow, DPT, ATC. 1. Lie on back with both knees bent and feet on floor/table. 2. Perform abdominal and gluteus maximus contraction and lift buttocks off floor. 3. Keep legs in neutral position. 4. Return to start position. 5. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 1 time a day. 6. Special Instructions a. Maintain neutral spine. b. For added resistance place a band just above the knees. Start with least resistance band. Courtesy of Tomah Memorial Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy, Tomah, WI; Elizabeth C.K. Bender, MSPT, ATC, CSCS; and Whitney Gnewikow, DPT, ATC. 