About Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome causes deep buttock pain and leg nerve symptoms that mimic sciatica, but the cause is muscular, not disc-related. It responds well to targeted hip mobility and strengthening combined with training load management.
Expected Recovery Window
Typical: 3–6 weeks with hip work and load modification. Chronic: 6–10 weeks.
Related Symptoms with Piriformis Syndrome
Common Symptoms
Deep, aching pain in the buttock; sciatica-like radiating pain down the back of the thigh; pain with prolonged sitting or driving; tenderness deep in the buttock with pressure; pain with hip internal rotation or crossing legs; worsened by hills or speed work.
Common Causes
Hip external rotator tightness or overuse; gluteal weakness causing piriformis compensation; prolonged sitting; sudden increase in running volume or speed work; anatomical variation of the sciatic nerve pathway.
How We Treat Piriformis Syndrome
Deep hip mobilization, targeted gluteal and hip external rotator strengthening, neural mobilisation, and running gait analysis to identify contributing mechanics. We distinguish piriformis-driven from disc-driven sciatica to ensure the right treatment.