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.