Recovery from piriformis syndrome

ebertini · 03-26-2009, 08:28 AM

Hi,

I've been diagnosed since 5/6 months pyriformis syndrome. Since then I have had pain at various intensity levels but never too strong.

I first visited my doctor and he gave me a first set of physiotherapy sessions which diminished the problem but did not resolve it completely. The sessions comprised massages, the classic piriformis stretch (which I do often since then), and exercises to strengthen my core.

After that I came back to my doctor and since the pain did not disappear completely I did a magnetic resonance to check the status of my back and check whether I had any herniated discs. Fortunately my back is ok, no problems at all.

So he gave me another series of physio session which I'm following.

The point is that the pain never disappear. Is I exercise a bit more than usual the pain increases a bit. If I take some more rest it almost fades away but never completely.

Is there anybody there who had similar experiences or can tell me if I can do something else? The last time I went to my doctor he says that after this session I could try to see an osteopath. What do you think, could this be a solution?

On a side note. The best advice I could find in the Internet is to do the piriformis stretch. It works to alleviate the pain sometimes but I don't think it is the solution.

I really hope you guys have some suggestions for me.

jchiero · 03-26-2009, 09:41 AM

I am working with a client right now who is getting over this condition.

Piriformis stretching is not the whole answer. The absolute best thing would be to find someone who could help you to indetify and resolve your muscle imbalances throughout your body that are causing the pain.

In the meantime static stretch your calves and foam role IT Bands, Adductors, hips, piriformis, calves and upper neck.

Remember that stretching and foam rolling alone will only give you relief it will not solve the problem. You must functionally strengthen weaker, less used muscle groups.

ebertini · 03-27-2009, 04:19 PM

Thanks for your reply. The first time I visited my physiotherapist she told me I have an imbalance in my hips because my left leg is slightly shorter than the right one (she also told me this is not a big deal).

I am in fact working with her on specific exercises, especially those which can strengthen my abs. I have a lot of static exercises to do plus some more generic stuff like squats and lats pulldown. Does it sound correct?

In the last month my conditions have improved quite a lot. Anyway as soon as I push a little bit more on my strength exercises a stronger pain develops.