What to do when Piriformis Syndrome strikes!
Eek! Piriformis Syndrome is the worst. I hope that you are not suffering from this but if you are I am so very sorry. If you are suffering from this you will not be a happy runner!
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
This is often an overuse problem that plagues runners. According to Medicinenet, “Piriformis syndrome is usually due to compression or contraction of the piriformis muscle on certain areas of the sciatic nerve.” In more simple terms it is literally a pain in the ass! The piriformis muscle is located deep in your butt just behind the gluteus maximus. So when you have piriformis syndrome you will feel pain deep in your butt. This muscle is important, “in lower body movement because it stabilizes the hip joint and lifts and rotates the thigh away from the body” (WebMD)
Piriformis syndrome can cause pain, tingling, and numbness. The pain can be mild to severe and can be aggravated by simple movements such as climbing stairs, difficulty sitting, and obviously running! You will know if you have this because it can be super painful and even tender to the touch.
What to do if you have Piriformis Syndrome.
Your first line of recovery is rest and ice. Avoid activities that trigger issues with your piriformis (no runner will like to hear this advice!). Taking anti-inflammatories can help. Massage directly on the piriformis muscle can help to relax this muscle and to lessen the spasms. Stretching and strengthening exercises are a key part of the treatment plan for piriformis syndrome and working on postural alignment.
Help! I have piriformis syndrome! What should I do? #runchat #injuredrunner
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Here are some great resources for stretching and strengthening:
-PIRIFORMIS STRETCHES TO RELIEVE PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME
–Piriformis Muscle Stretch and Physical Therapy
–Piriformis Syndrome Exercises
–Beginners Piriformis Stretching Routine
Have you ever struggled with Piriformis Syndrome? What helped you to recover?
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Piriformis Syndrome can be such a pain in the butt, literally! I had a slight case of this and a combo of massaging the area and using ice really helped.
I have had mild cases of it but thankfully stretching and rolling have helped
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Fall Farro and Brussels Sprouts Crunch Salad
Great post! As a physiotherapist, I am glad to see you have included strengthening exercises as well as stretches and massage. They are so important!
Chris recently posted…Is Mum Still Working Out?
I struggled with this for years! Thankfully, it’s been MIA in recent years, but I’m hyper aware if I feel the slightest sense it’s staging a return. Getting a convertible stand-up desk at work was a total game changer for me.
This sounds very painful and uncomfortable…currently dealing with plantar fasciitis for almost 8 months now…mornings are hell…and there are a slight pain and discomfort throughout the day. The doctor advised taking a break from running…still contemplating as I don’t want to stop…
Madhusree Basu recently posted…What Is Running Gait? How Can You Improve It?
Ugh. No one needs a pain in the butt. My husband is suffering a touch of this right now. He is stretching and going to acupuncture to relieve it but he is definitely discouraged by the setback.
Jenn recently posted…tuesday thoughts: my fall racing plans
SO FAR I have not suffered from Piriformis syndrome, but I know so many runners who have. I’m going to bookmark this post to share with them!
RelentlessForwardCommotion recently posted…How to Avoid Wild Animal Attacks While Trail Running
I have never dealt with Piriformis Syndrome. I have had plenty of other injuries where rest and ice helped a lot.
Hope you feel better!
Esther recently posted…Fitness Instructor Series: What does it take?
Great post! I usually recommend massaging + stretching if the initial rest/ice isn’t helping! :] There’s a counterstrain technique in school that we learned that can be helpful too (would have to be performed by someone else though)!
Sciatica is very painful and hard to treat. Thank you so very much for your article. This is really good information. It’s great to visit your blog. It really gives me some insight into this subject.