Anyone had piriformis syndrome? What helped?

[PossumInAPearTree]

Looks like I've got this after increasing my running. Instructor at the gym has diagnosed me but have googled since and it fits 100%.

So have been bookmarking stretches and exercises and am doing some Pilates.

Instructor recommended a chiropractor in town. So will probably book in with them. Google suggests there's often an underlying pelvic, sacroiliac joint problem causing it....but a chiropractor should sort that shouldn't they?

Just wondering how many sessions it might take, appts are £47 a go!

I had this last year - while I was waiting for knee surgery I was walking a bit lopsided and the piriformis muscle on my injured side started playing up. Stretching helped as did massage with a tennis ball and a couple of physio sessions. It lasted for a few weeks after I'd had the surgery but is now pretty much back to normal - the only time it hurts is when I've been driving for a long time

Yep, I've got it and had it for a number of years!

I found acupuncture helped. I couldn't walk for 2 days, had that and couldn't believe how much it released the muscles grip. Had 3 sessions and it was fantastic.

I make sure I get up from my desk on a regular basis and I try and walk an hour at least every 2 days, plus every week I get a sports massage which has helped no end.

This isn't something an instructor at the gym can diagnose, even qualified medical professionals argue whether it even exists. we aren't allowed to diagnose it at work, it has to be confirmed by a consultant.
You could do yourself a lot of damage if this diagnosis is wrong. Go and see a qualified medical professional and not a chiropractor.

Physio. I've got a PDF of exercises that will help a lot, happy to send it to you if you PM me your email

Oh, re-read properly. You need a proper medical diagnosis before you go to a chiro or anything similar. The sciatic nerve runs right past that muscle and you do not want to fuck that up.
Get a physio referral, and go from there

Place marking here. Massage therapist thinks I have this and have been doing stretches and having massage. Still no improvement- google fits all my symptoms too. Most painful when sitting and driving. Have you stopped exercising at all?

Getting a regular massage and stop running won't do you any harm til you get a proper diagnosis. Don't do any drastic interventions til you know what is really going on. But do stop aggravating it til then.

I'm betting you have lordosis. You probably have pelvic issues that are causing pain. Physio physio physio. Fuck chiropractors. I finally relented after physio told me they couldnt do anything more for my back, the chiro promised to not crack my spine, but she did and I've been in pain ever since.

Chiropractors are not medically trained, do not go to one for this.

Sorry for the multiple messages, but I feel very strongly about this, and for the piriformis, the physio was a bloody miracle worker.

I agree. You need a proper consultation and referral which is what I got through medical cover at work. Took my second visit for him to diagnosis it and it was sort of a eureka moment for him! There is also something in your blood work that shows a tendency towards this kind of problem. Can't remember what the deficiency is but it flagged up in my bloods.

Best stretch by the way. Lay flat on the bed and then bend your left leg over your body and allow your left knee to hang over the edge and stretch it out (hope that makes sense)

GP thought I had this and sent me for physio, it is actually sciatica, best to get a proper medical diagnosis before parting with your money, I'm starting physio this month and relieved that I've finally got a proper diagnosis, although most of the pain is in my hip the consultant informed me it stems from the back and is compressed nerves.

Tbh, you won't do yourself any harm if you just massage the muscle. Google is so you understand exactly where the muscle is (its basically the middle of your butt cheek), and gently massage it. It might help release the muscle a bit until you can get a proper diagnosis

I went to see a physio six months ago and she was clueless.

Think I might try and find another one then if you all think they're a better bet than a chiropractor. Thanks.

And I do have an increased lordosis.

Years ago I broke my back and I remember reading the lordosis comment in a medical report.

I developed piriformus syndrome after a slipped disc and sciatica. It's possible that the running is causing stress to your back and the nerves are being compressed, particularly if your back is already weakened from previous injury. Do get a proper diagnosis from a trained physio and definitely don't see a chiropractor - if it is a back injury then they could make it worse. In the mean time I would ease off on high impact exercise and see if it improves.

@SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower Can you email them to me please