Piriformis Syndrome

It is likely the buttock or hip pain you are suffering from is due to a Piriformis syndrome.

The Piriformis muscle is one of the most important muscles giving stability and control to the hip and leg. It connects the lower spine to the hip, and runs through the buttock. Piriformis syndrome is a spasm of the muscle, leading to buttock or hip pain running.

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4 - current step

Follow the information and Video advice below

Piriformis Syndrome

  • Cut running to a minimum, or stop and cross train, and then make sure you follow the correct protocol for introducing running again (video).
  • Sports taping the injury can help (see videos below).
  • Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ and ‘OPTIONAL’ video advice below.
  • Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here),  if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
  • Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
  • Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions.
  • Also, check our Low back warning signs page.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Acupuncture can be very helpful.
  • Heat or contrast hydrotherapy is useful at all stages of the injury (see videos below).
  • Although it sounds counterintuitive, once you are at over 60% better, a good fast track session can often release the remaining tension in the piriformis

Attention!

Piriformis syndrome can mimick disc injury.

Ensure you check with your doctor or sports therapist.