What Is The Main Cause Of Piriformis Syndrome?

Did you know that the piriformis is a small muscle in the buttocks that connects to the hip bone? Situated just below the gluteus maximus, it is important to keep your hips and legs stable as you walk or run. It also rotates your leg slightly inward when your hip is extended. The syndrome occurs when one of two things happens: the piriformis muscle spasms or a tendon from your gluteus maximus rubs on this muscle. If you’re looking for physical therapy lattingtown ny, contact Within Normal Limits PT today!

The most common cause of piriformis syndrome is an imbalance between two groups of muscles in your buttocks: the gluteal and hamstring muscles. The gluteal muscles, which include the large buttock muscle, are called the gluteus maximus. Also, three smaller muscles make up the buttocks (the gluteus medius, minimus, and piriformis), work to extend, abduct (move your leg away from its midline), rotate, and stabilize your leg hips. The piriformis muscle can spasm if your gluteal muscles are more robust than your hamstring muscles. It’s best to try and stabilize your hip out of a sense that you need extra support. The pressure from the spasming muscle can then pinch or rub on a tendon that runs under it, creating pain. Visit physical therapy lattingtown ny!

Exercises For Piriformis Syndrome

The most effective way to treat the syndrome is to stretch the piriformis muscle and strengthen your gluteal muscles.

You can do this with at-home exercises, including hip abduction. This is in which you lie on your side and raise the leg closest to the ceiling without rotating at the waist.
Another example is lying face down on a foam roller. You place under your pelvis at the hip and roll slowly from side to side, finding painful spots and holding them for several seconds.

Within Normal Limits – Physical Therapy Lattingtown NY

In conclusion, the leading cause of piriformis syndrome is having an imbalance between two groups of muscles in your buttocks. These muscles are the gluteal muscles and the hamstring muscles. The most effective way to treat the syndrome is to stretch the piriformis muscle and strengthen your gluteal muscles. You can do a few easy exercises at home to help heal this issue. If you’re looking for physical therapy lattingtown ny, contact Within Normal Limits PT today!