How To Fix Piriformis Syndrome [Causes Symptoms Treatment]

Summary by Krater

Dr. Aaron Horschig explains how to differentiate and treat short versus long piriformis syndrome using clinical tests like crossed straight leg raise, internal rotation measurement, and targeted soft tissue, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

From the video

Answers: How do I diagnose and treat short versus long piriformis syndrome?

• piriformis syndrome diagnosis
• short vs long piriformis syndrome
• sciatic nerve entrapment
• internal rotation test
• crossed straight leg raise test
• soft tissue mobilization for piriformis
• piriformis stretching techniques
• strength training for piriformis syndrome

Exercises

• crossed straight leg raise test · bodyweight
• internal rotation measurement test · bodyweight · 60 degrees
• lacrosse ball soft tissue rolling · lacrosse ball · 10-20 reps for 5 second hold
• figure 4 stretch · bodyweight
• clam shell · resistance band · 10-20 reps for 5 second hold
• side plank clam shell · resistance band
• glute bridge · resistance band · 10-15 reps for 5-10 second hold
• slow banded squat · resistance band · 10-15 reps
• touchdown squat · plate

What it concludes

• Short piriformis syndrome is characterized by a lack of internal rotation and responds well to soft tissue work and stretching.
• Long piriformis syndrome is driven by biomechanical issues and requires strengthening and movement repatterning rather than stretching.
• Performing standard stretching or clam shells on short piriformis syndrome can exacerbate symptoms and make them worse.
• A single-leg touchdown squat on a small box can reveal motor coordination deficits that contribute to long piriformis syndrome.