Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in Manchester I Physiotherapy Guide
- Oct 22, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 14
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock region, becomes tight, irritated, or goes into spasm. When this happens, it can cause pain in the gluteal (buttock) area.
The piriformis muscle lies very close to the sciatic nerve, which runs either underneath or sometimes through the muscle in some individuals. When the piriformis becomes tight or inflamed, it can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve.
This irritation may lead to symptoms such as:
Pain in the buttock or gluteal region
Numbness or tingling down the back of the leg
Radiating pain that may extend into the calf or foot
Because the sciatic nerve is involved, the symptoms of piriformis syndrome can be very similar to those experienced with sciatica.
What causes piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome most commonly develops when the piriformis muscle becomes inflamed, swollen, or goes into spasm. This can place pressure on the nearby sciatic nerve, leading to pain and other nerve-related symptoms.
Several factors may contribute to irritation or tightness of the piriformis muscle, including:
Activities that involve repetitive hip movements, such as running or climbing stairs
Injuries to the hip, buttock, or leg, for example after a fall or direct trauma
Muscle imbalances affecting the hips, pelvis, or lower back
Lifting heavy objects, particularly when lifting with poor posture or at an awkward angle
Repetitive movements or excessive exercise, which can overload the muscle
Prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces, which can place continuous pressure on the piriformis muscle
These factors can cause the piriformis muscle to become tight and irritated, potentially leading to compression of the sciatic nerve and the development of piriformis syndrome symptoms.
What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome?
The symptoms of piriformis syndrome can vary depending on the level of irritation of the muscle and the involvement of the sciatic nerve. Common symptoms include:
Pain in the buttock or gluteal region, which is usually the main complaint
Tingling sensations (pins and needles) or numbness, especially if the sciatic nerve is being irritated by the piriformis muscle
A burning sensation that may radiate down the back of the leg
A dull ache in the buttock or hip area
Throbbing pain, particularly after prolonged sitting or physical activity
In some cases, the pain may radiate down the back of the leg, making the symptoms similar to those of sciatica.
Did you know ?
Research and clinical observations have identified several common patterns and risk factors associated with piriformis syndrome:
The most frequently affected age groups are people in their 40s and 50s, accounting for approximately 31.3% and 33.5% of cases respectively.
Individuals from all occupations and activity levels can develop piriformis syndrome.
A history of overuse or repetitive activity is reported in about 47.2% of cases.
The piriformis muscle may hypertrophy (increase in size) under repeated strain more easily compared to other muscles in the pelvic region, which can increase the likelihood of sciatic nerve irritation.
Prolonged sitting is another common factor, reported in approximately 37.9% of cases.
A history of trauma or injury to the hip or buttock area is present in around 4.4% of cases.
In some cases (about 3.3%), symptoms were associated with vigorous massage performed by an unqualified individual.
The right side of the body is affected more often, accounting for approximately 67.6% of cases, while the left side is involved in about 32.4%.
These findings highlight that piriformis syndrome can develop due to a combination of mechanical stress, lifestyle factors, and muscular dysfunction.
Physiotherapy treatment for Piriformis syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is a highly treatable condition, and at Physio Pattern Manchester we specialise in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including piriformis-related sciatic pain. Our goal is to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, relieve irritation of the sciatic nerve, and restore normal movement.
1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Your treatment begins with a detailed clinical assessment performed by one of our physiotherapists. During this stage we evaluate:
Your symptoms and medical history
Previous injuries to the lower back, hips, or legs
Activities or movements that trigger or worsen your pain
Your posture and daily movement patterns
This information helps us understand the mechanism behind the piriformis muscle irritation and sciatic nerve involvement.
2. Biomechanical and Functional Examination
A thorough physical examination is then carried out, including:
Postural and pelvic alignment assessment
Manual muscle testing to evaluate strength and muscle activation
Hip and lower back mobility testing
Evaluation of movement patterns and muscle imbalances
This allows us to identify tightness, weakness, or dysfunctional movement patterns that may be contributing to the problem.
3. Neuromuscular Dysfunction Correction
If abnormal movement patterns or neurological dysfunctions are detected, we may use specialised techniques such as:
Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT)
Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy (P-DTR)
These techniques help restore proper communication between the nervous system and muscles, improving coordination and reducing excessive tension in the piriformis muscle.
4. Targeted Therapeutic Treatments
Depending on the findings of your assessment, a combination of treatment modalities may be used to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and promote tissue healing, including:
Physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques
Tecar Therapy to improve circulation and accelerate tissue recovery
Shockwave Therapy for persistent soft tissue dysfunction
Manual Therapy to improve joint mobility and release tight muscles
Cold Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and support healing
5. Individualised Rehabilitation Program
The final stage of treatment focuses on rehabilitation and prevention. Your physiotherapist will provide a personalised exercise program, which may include:
Stretching exercises to reduce piriformis muscle tension
Strengthening exercises for the hips and core muscles
Mobility exercises for the lower back and pelvis
Movement retraining to improve posture and prevent recurrence
Your physiotherapist will guide you throughout the rehabilitation process to help you achieve long-term relief, improved mobility, and reduced risk of future episodes.
Learn More About Our Treatments
Physiotherapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/physiotherapy
Neurokinetic Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/neurokinetic-therapy
Tecar Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/tecar-therapy
Shockwave Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/shockwave-therapy
Cold Laser Therapy – https://www.physiopattern.com/cold-laser-therapy
If you would like more information of how Physio Pattern Manchester can help with this condition, or to book an assessment please call
Leading Physiotherapy Provider in Manchester. Piriformis Syndrome treatment in Manchester, Physiotherapy Treatment in Manchester city centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats.Physio Manchester, Manchester Physio, Physio Manchester City Centre, Physiotherapy clinic in Manchester.
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