Piriformis Syndrome/Sciatica

Piriformis syndrome and sciatica can both cause numbness, tingling, and pain down the leg. Piriformis syndrome is caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve due to the piriformis muscle being tight.  Sciatica is caused by irritation to the sciatic nerve where it exits out of the spine.

Signs and symptoms of piriformis syndrome include: 
  • dull ache in the glute and or leg 
  • sharp pain down the back of the leg
  • numbness and tingling down the leg usually stopping at the knee 
  • pain with walking up the stairs 
  • pain with changing positions 
  • pain increases after sitting or standing for long periods 
  • tight hip muscles with decreased range of motion
  • sore muscles in the glute 
Signs and symptoms of sciatica include: 
  • weakness in the leg 
  • numbness and tingling down the leg to the foot 
  • difficulty walking on toes 
  • difficulty and pain when bending forwards or backwards
  • loss of sensation or numbness 
  • pain while lifting the leg straight up while lying on your back
  • weakness of the leg or hip
  • bladder & bowel issues (this is a medical emergency and requires medical attention ASAP)

At Abbotsford Sports & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy our practitioners have been trained to assess the body to determine if you are suffering from a sciatic or piriformis syndrome injury. 

Treatment options: 
  • manual therapy & manipulation 
  • patient education 
  • Soft tissue release therapy 
  • exercise rehabilitation & home exercise programs – nerve flossing exercises 
  • Intramuscular Stimulation 
  • Cervical & lumbar traction – can help with nerve pain, disc injuries that may be causing sciatica 
  • Shockwave therapy
  • LASER therapy , ultrasound
  • electrotherapy 
  • cryotherapy/ heat therapy 
  • instrument assisted soft tissue release
  • pelvic floor / health therapy for women 
  • pelvic floor / health education for women and men 
  • kinesiology