The two piriformis syndrome exercises outlined in this video address common muscle weaknesses often present when people have piriformis syndrome.
These are not stretches. People often want to stretch the piriformis muscle if they have piriformis syndrome. This may feel good while you’re dong it but usually does not result in long-term pain relief or a resolution of symptoms.
One theory of what causes piriformis syndrome is a tight, spasmed piriformis muscle. Hence the stretching and soft tissue work approach.
Another theory is that the piriformis muscle is having to function in a lengthened position with high eccentric loads during functional activities. This in turn causes irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve.
It’s well documented in the research literature on piriformis syndrome that gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscle weakness is a common finding. If these muscles are weak the piriformis muscle has to pick up the slack, the result being possible irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Research has shown that strengthening the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles reduces piriformis syndrome symptoms.
This is likely a result of getting these muscles to work properly so the piriformis muscle is not lengthened and overworked. This results in reduced irritation and compression of the sciatic nerve.
Start with the two piriformis syndrome exercises described in this video. Do two sets of 10-15 reps, two times per day. Stick with these exercises for two weeks. If you start to have less sciatica pain doing these exercises check out the next video that progresses the piriformis syndrome exercises.
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