Monday, June 30, 2014

Home Help for Piriformis Syndrome & Sciatica

When you’re suffering from Piriformis Syndrome or Sciatica, your lower back, buttocks, and even your legs hurt so badly that you don’t feel like walking, doing day-to-day activities, playing with your children or grandchildren, even sitting at work all day is painful…it’s nearly impossible to enjoy living! That’s why it’s helpful to understand how to get home help for piriformis syndrome and sciatica.
Here are some ideas to ease the pain – because it’s time to finally get some at-home help for your piriformis syndrome and sciatica symptoms:
  1. Pay attention to your body. When you have piriformis syndrome or sciatica, it’s not uncommon for repetitive activities to cause pain and discomfort. If you usually have flare-ups when you sit at your desk for a long period or climb the stairs, do your best to avoid those things. Get up and walk around periodically during the day and make less frequent trips up and down the stairs.
  2. Apply a cold compress. Even if you try your best to avoid the things that cause pain, your piriformis muscle is bound to act up at some point. Keep a cold compress handy and apply it directly to the muscle (it’s located in your buttocks, right next to your hip).
  3. Rest. This one may sound obvious, but when your sciatica starts acting up, it’s time to rest. Instead of sitting on your problem area (your butt), lay down for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you can lay down with a cold compress on your piriformis muscle, that’s even better.
  4. Take acetaminophen. When the pain is unbearable and you must get back to work (or go pick up the kids), acetaminophen should help dull the pain for a few hours. Even though this over-the-counter medicine will make you feel better, it’s important that you still relax the muscle as much as possible.
  5. Stretch. Piriformis syndrome and sciatica are caused by spasms or inflammation of the piriformis muscle that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. By stretching the muscle regularly, you will relax it, so it will be less prone to compress the sciatic nerve which is causing pain. But, the piriformis muscle is a tricky one, it’s not easy to reach, and yet, it is important you stretch that specific muscle. This is why we developed the Piri-Stretcher® – a device that helps target your stretch to the piriformis muscle, so you get the most out of your efforts.
Dealing with piriformis syndrome and sciatica can be a challenge, but with regular home care and stretching, many cases subside over time. Because it’s a muscle problem, it can often be solved by strengthening the muscle, making home help for piriformis syndrome not only easy, but extremely effective. So that way you can enjoy living again.


Monday, June 23, 2014

Runners and Piriformis Syndrome

When you made the decision to become a runner, you probably thought you were doing the right thing by your body. Running provides all kinds of health benefits including more energy, conditioning, and a positive attitude, but along with that, running can put a great deal of strain on your joints and muscles – especially if you’re not running with proper form.

Runners and Piriformis Syndrome


Runners are especially at risk of developing piriformis syndrome because they are constantly engaging in pure forward movement, which can weaken hip adductors and abductors over time. The adductor muscle group, also known as the groin muscles, is a group located on the medial side of the thigh. The abductor muscle group is located on the lateral side of the thigh. These are the muscles that allow us to open and close our legs, so injury or weakness can have a serious impact on a person's life…and combined with other weak muscles, such as glutes, you're really in for some trouble. When these muscles aren't working properly, it puts extra strain on the piriformis muscle, which in turn puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. And no one wants to upset the sciatic nerve.

The Role of the Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and is responsible for sensations and movement in our lower back and limbs. When there's pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can present pain, numbness or weakness in the lower back and buttocks that may radiate all the way down the leg. As you can imagine, this is not an ideal situation for someone who is preparing for a race or a marathon.

And Sometimes, It's Overpronation

Another reason runners are susceptible to piriformis syndrome is because some runners overpronate, which means they turn their feet inward when they run. On impact, this may cause the knee to rotate. This is when the piriformis muscle springs in to action in an attempt to limit the motion of the knee. While it may be successful, it protects the knee at its own expense. Over time, the piriformis muscle experiences symptoms of overuse and can become tight. Again, this may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause piriformis syndrome or sciatica.

How Runners Treat Piriformis Syndrome

Before you can treat piriformis syndrome, it must first be diagnosed. Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose the syndrome. In fact, pain and numbness in the lower limbs, back, and buttocks could have many causes, so it's important to get a thorough evaluation and diagnosis before starting any treatment program. Once piriformis syndrome is diagnosed, it's time for some good news.

You'll be happy to know that piriformis syndrome is often treatable with a balanced physical therapy and home exercise program that includes stretching. Surgery and invasive treatments are usually only exercised as a last resort. The goal is to rehabilitate the piriformis muscle, which can be difficult to do on your own.

The key is to target stretching to that specific muscle. And that's why we developed the Piri-Stretcher®. This doctor recommended device is designed specifically for users to target their stretch to the problematic piriformis muscle, and it's so easy to use that just about anyone (even those of us who can barely touch our toes!) can do it from the comfort of their own home. So for you weekend warriors and first time marathoners with limited flexibility, take the time to stretch properly – running is a personal commitment and when you’re making the most of your efforts, you will feel confident and run healthy.



Monday, June 16, 2014

Golfing with Piriformis Syndrome

Now that the weather is getting warmer (finally) in most of the country, it's time for many of you to dust off those golf clubs and get back out on the green!

But some of you may be cringing at the thought of the pain in the butt that is sure to ensue.

Piriformis syndrome is a common condition for golfers, and it is one that keeps even the best of us off of the course. But it doesn't have to. Over time, stretching can really help alleviate the pain from piriformis syndrome. It can prevent that radiating pain that starts in the buttocks or lower back and rolls all the way down the leg.

When should you stretch?
Stretching should be done regularly, so plan to stretch a few times a week. Most people like to schedule stretching sessions in the morning or night, so it doesn't get in the way of other daily activities. Ideally, you should be stretching throughout the year, whether you're hitting the golf course or not. Still, it's more important to get your stretching in during golf season, so if you've been slacking throughout the year, now is the time to get back into that routine.

Why should you stretch?
Over time, stretching can help repair the muscle that is causing so much pain in your life. When the muscle is relaxed and healthy, it isn't likely to put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is what happens when you're experiencing pain, numbness or discomfort. Studies have shown that non-invasive treatments such as stretching and physical therapy are more effective than things like surgery or injections.

One study, as noted by Parziale et al, found that surgery should be considered only as a last resort as treatment for Piriformis Syndrome and more conservative treatments are often effective at treating symptoms. So, if you're a golfer dealing with pain in the right or left buttock, pain that radiates to the anterior thigh, groin and lower limbs, pain while sitting, increased pain from running, or difficulty performing daily activities, you may benefit from stretching.

And relief from piriformis syndrome means that you can pick up those clubs and get back to the sport you love. Who needs more of a reason to stretch?

How should you stretch?

The key to effective stretching for piriformis syndrome is to target that elusive piriformis muscle. It is located adjacent to the hip at the top of the buttocks. There are many stretches you can do to target the correct area. If you're concerned or want to be sure you're making the most out of your stretching sessions, you may be interested in checking out the Piri-Stretcher®. The Piri-Stretcher® is a stretching tool which is registered with the FDA as a Class 1 Medical Device for exercise and fitness. It can help relieve pain associated with sciatica or piriformis syndrome by providing assistance to complete a targeted stretch of the piriformis muscle – which is particularly helpful for those of us with limited flexibility. Which after a round of golf, it sure is nice to have a little help with a stretch.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Sports and Piriformis Syndrome



It's no secret that you don't have to be an athlete to develop piriformis syndrome, but it is a condition that does afflict many competitors. There's more than one reason for this, but fortunately, piriformis syndrome can usually be treated without invasive surgery or dangerous medications. Which types of athletes seems to be more prone to piriformis problems than others? Let's explore...

Piriformis Syndrome and Running

While out on your morning run, you feel a sharp and persisting pain in your buttocks. You're an athlete, so you power through, but now your hamstrings are starting to feel tight and sore, so you slow down a bit. With a reduced pace and a little pain, you finish the run. Afterward, the tingling sets in. It starts I the back of your upper thigh and continues down your calf. Runner, meet your piriformis muscle. It's not the best of introductions, but it's how most runners first learn of this important muscle.

Swimming and Piriformis Syndrome

Because water reduces impact on the body, swimming is usually a very safe sport for your muscles and joints. But sometimes, swimmers will develop piriformis syndrome. It often occurs when the swimmer is also engaging in other exercises in addition to swimming, such as running and cycling, and this is very common when training for a triathlon.

Piriformis Syndrome and Horseback Riding

It's impossible to ride without putting pressure on the piriformis muscle. Fortunately, the pressure doesn't always lead to piriformis syndrome, but that's little relief for sufferers. Bouncing on a hard saddle is all but out of the question for most people who suffer from this syndrome, a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome hits equestrians especially hard. If this sounds like you, don't despair. There's a very good chance that you'll be back on that literal horse soon.

Although these sports may lead to piriformis syndrome, don't think you're safe because your most strenuous activity involves lifting and lowering the remote. Prolonged sitting can put unnecessary pressure on this muscle and lead to piriformis syndrome over time. And there are some people who are anatomically more likely to develop this syndrome because their sciatic nerve flows directly through the piriformis muscle, instead of around it. So, there is no definitive way to prevent this condition, but there are ways of treating a problematic piriformis. The key to preventing piriformis syndrome lies in stretching and engaging in moderate activity.

Stretching is a very effective method for treating piriformis syndrome, and it has helped alleviate pain in the buttocks, lower back, and legs for many people. The key is to target your stretch to the piriformis muscle. If you're having trouble or don't know where to start, consider using the Piri-Stretcher®, an FDA registered medical device that is designed to target your stretch to the piriformis muscle.

With the right treatment, you can get back on that horse…or in that bathing suit…or in those running shoes…or on that couch (!) in no time.




Monday, June 2, 2014

Easy Help for Piriformis Muscle Pain

“Ouch, my piriformis is killing me today!” Those are words you never hear, yet piriformis muscle pain is a very real problem for many people.

More likely, you might hear someone with piriformis syndrome say that they have a literal pain in the rear end, or their lower limbs are numb or hurting. That's because it's exactly what they are feeling, and to be honest, most people don't know what or where the piriformis muscle is.

Understanding the Piriformis Muscle

Not surprisingly, the reason for that pain in the rear is a muscle that is located, well, in the rear. The piriformis muscle is right next to your hip joint at the top of your hip. Although you may never hear about it until there's a problem, the piriformis muscle is actually a very important one. It plays an important role in stabilizing your hip and rotating the thigh away from the body.

You use this muscle almost constantly. It's used for walking, shifting weight and for balance, which means you can stand straight without your piriformis muscle. Virtually any time you move your legs, you're using your piriformis muscle.

The Reason for Piriformis Muscle Pain

If you're experiencing pain in your piriformis, it may be for a number of reasons. Some people are born with a sciatic nerve that passes through the muscle instead of behind. These people are more likely to experience piriformis pain than others, but they aren't the only ones who have trouble with this important muscle. A piriformis muscle strain or injury can put pressure on the nearby sciatic nerve and cause piriformis muscle pain, which can also come along with numbness and tingling that radiates down the leg.

An All-Too Common Problem

Low back pain affects about 80 percent of the population, so if you're dealing with piriformis musle-related issues, you may take comfort in the fact that you're not alone. Piriformis syndrome is a common cause of low back pain, and is an issue becoming more common. Fortunately, there are non-invasive treatment options that have proven to be successful for most sufferers.

Help for Piriformis Muscle Pain

Stretching has proven to be one of the most effective and least invasive methods of treating piriformis syndrome and alleviating the associated pain. Often, stretching is prescribed alongside other treatment methods, such as physical therapy or acupuncture. And studies have shown that it's a good regimen. It has been proven that prolonged stretching, hip flexion, hip adduction and internal rotation are all effective treatments for low back, buttocks and radiating leg pain that can come from piriformis syndrome. So…stretching versus surgery, why not give it a try!