Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder that’s caused when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle placed in the buttocks close to the highest of the hip joint. This muscle is very important in lower body movement as a result of it stabilizes the hip joint and lifts and rotates the thigh away from the body. This permits us to run, shift our weight from one foot to a different, and maintain balance. It’s also employed in sports that involve lifting and rotating the thighs, in short, in almost each motion of the hips and legs. The sciatic nerve is a thick and long nerve in the body. It passes aboard or goes through the piriformis muscle, goes down the back of the leg, and eventually branches off into smaller nerves that finish within the feet. Nerve compression will be caused by spasm of the piriformis muscle.

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Foam Roller Exercises:

The Foam Roller is a popular device used by runners to help massage out muscles. When using the foam roller properly with the right techniques it can be very effective in aiding the recovery of Piriformis Syndrome. For self-help tips – use of foam rolls to improve the muscle and fascia in the buttocks can help. Improve gluteal stability such as bridges and quarter squats, once the acute buttocks pain subsides, can help as well. 

 

Just follow Written Instructions………..

 Sit on the foam roller, with the roller in the middle of the buttocks
 Place your left ankle on your right knee to focus on your left hip.
 Roll up and down the left hip, as fast or slow as your heart desires, stopping at any hot spots.
 Shift your weight slightly, left or right and up and down to find your own hot spots that need attention.
 Roll the right hip in the same manner for balance.

 

If you are in the market for a foam roller, choose one at Power Systems Foam Roller for Foam rolling. They make some really nice ones. I am particularly fond of their Life Fitness foam roller. I have tried a lot of them, and this one feels really soft and cushy on the outside, but is nice and firm in the core.