PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME, what is it and how can CLINICAL MASSAGE help?

PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME is a condition where the piriformis muscle, located near to the glute muscles in the buttock areas, spasms and causes localised pain. When irritated, the piriformis muscle can impinge the sciatic nerve causing pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot, typically affecting one leg at a time.

The sciatic nerve usually passes anterior to the piriformis muscle but in around 10% of people it passes through the muscle. Piriformis Syndrome can occur with both variations of the anatomy and can be caused by the following:

• Piriformis going into spasm, either within itself or because of the surrounding structures being irritated such as Sacroilliac Joint or hip.

• Piriformis muscle is tight due to injury or overuse

• A fall has occurred onto the buttock area causing it to bleed and later producing scar tissue. When scar tissue is formed it is thicker and less flexible than original tissue, and this can affect how it is positioned next to the sciatic nerve.

Location of the Piriformis muscle:

The Piriformis muscle runs diagonally (with the sciatic nerve vertically underneath) and attaches to the sacrum of the lower spine and the upper surface of the greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone). Its main functions is to assist in the rotation of the hip and turning the leg and foot outward.

Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome

• A dull ache in the buttock

• Pain, numbness and tingling down the back of the thigh, calf and foot (sciatica)

• Pain increases are prolonged sitting.

• Pain when walking up stairs or flexing hip

• Reduced range of motion of the hip joint

When to see a Doctor.

Rarely sciatica symptoms may require emergency medical treatment. Symptoms are included below but are not limited to:

• Bilateral (both legs) pain/numbness and tingling

• Bladder and/or bowel incontinence

• Numbness in the genital or groin areas. For example, numbness when wiping after using the toilet.

• Neurological symptoms are getting worse such as numbness and/or weakness.

If you have any of these symptoms it may indicate a serious underlying condition, which needs urgent medical attention.

Advanced Clinical Massage and how it can help?

The Jing Method of Advanced Clinical Massage is a unique outcome based system for addressing chronic musculoskeletal pain through using advanced soft tissue and massage techniques.

It uses a blend of advanced bodywork techniques from both East and West including trigger point therapy. Myofascial work, acupressure and stretching with a truly holistic approach based on the biopsychosocial model of pain.

The first session involves a thorough assessment using Range of Motion assessment and Orthopaedic testing to determine where the pain is coming from. Using this information, we create a bespoke treatment plan over a series of sessions to target the source of the pain and provide pain relief both locally and globally, as well as improve joint range of motion.

There are several ways Piriformis Syndrome can be helped with clinical massage. In treatment we would use a combination of techniques, such as fascial work to free up any restrictions and adhesions from scar tissue. This would be followed by releasing trigger points local to the piriformis as well as in the surrounding muscles. Stretching the affected muscles is important at this stage, in particular the piriformis, hamstrings and hip extensors which may help to decrease the symptoms and improve a clients range of motion. Clients will also be given exercises and self-care ideas to do in between their treatments.

If you are experiencing Piriformis Syndrome and you are interested in working with me, please get in touch.