Piriformis syndrome is a condition whose symptoms include persistent buttock and leg pain. Nerves near the piriformis muscle are pinched, causing irritation and pain that sometimes can be severe. Piriformis syndrome usually results from tightness in the muscle. There are several ways to treat this syndrome.
R.I.C.E.R.
Recognize that there is an issue within the buttocks and treat it immediately. Piriformis syndrome is a soft-tissue injury that can become aggravated if untreated. Application of the R.I.C.E.R. method within the first 48-72 hours of the appearance of symptoms can reduce the chance of a more severe injury. R.I.C.E.R. stands for resting the body, icing the buttocks, compressing the buttocks in an elastic bandage, elevating the buttocks, and referral by a doctor to a qualified physiotherapist.
Stretches
Stretching is the most important part of physiotherapy for the piriformis syndrome patient. Doing regular stretches helps the patient loosen the muscle, thus alleviating the pulling and tightness that causes the pinched nerve. An effective stretch can be done by sitting on the floor with both legs straight out in front of the body. Bring one foot in, bending the knee out to the side. Hold onto your ankle and bring it into your chest. Hold it there for a 20-30 count. Repeat this three times for each buttock.
Massage
In the final stages of the syndrome, as the buttock heals, the patient will be advised by a doctor to return to light sport. It is important that you not overdue it to begin with, and to "listen" to your body. If you feel excessive pain in the buttocks during activity, stop immediately.
Your doctor may recommend massage as pre-sport therapy. Massage helps loosen the soft tissue of the buttocks and keep the muscles warm for exercise and stretching.
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