Piriformis Syndrome and what to do

Piriformis and Deep Gluteal Pain

Deep, nagging pain in the buttock that sometimes radiates down the leg is a complaint shared by many—athletes, office workers and even those with Back Pain. One of the lesser-known culprits behind this discomfort is Deep Gluteal Pain, a condition that can mimic or coexist with other disorders like sciatica or lumbar disc herniation.

People usually experience pain in the buttock with some pins and needles or numbness in the back of the thigh. It can sound similar to sciatica but deep gluteal pain usually is not accompanied by Back Pain and the causes are different, hence it is important to see a physiotherapist to rule out the cause of the pain so that treatment can be targeted accordingly.

This condition usually occurs when the sciatic nerve is trapped or irritated underneath the muscles hence mimicking the same symptoms as sciatica, but the cause is completely different.

Treatment:

Physiotherapy:  Physiotherapy is often the first-line treatment for Piriformis Syndrome and deep gluteal pain. The goal is to relieve nerve compression, reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence.

1. Hands on techniques: Myofascial release, to reduce tension in the gluteal muscles and surrounding structures. Sometimes, stiffness in your lower back or sacroiliac (SI) joint—which connects your spine to your pelvis—can make your muscles work harder and cause more pain. In that case, your friendly Relive Physiotherapist might gently move and stretch these joints. 
2. Exercises: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the deep muscles in the hip are needed to take the pressure off of the nerves.
3. Acupuncture: To help release tight, painful muscle knots—often found in deep gluteal muscles contributing to such pain. This  helps by releasing those tight spots, improving blood flow, and reducing nerve irritation. The needle stimulates a natural twitch response in the muscle, which often leads to an immediate reduction in tension. For many people, this means less pain, better mobility, and improved tolerance for sitting, walking, or exercising. While it’s usually part of a larger treatment plan, dry needling can offer fast and targeted relief—especially when deeper muscles are difficult to reach through massage or stretching alone.

When you have pain, you need to contact a Specialist.  It is why at Chester’s Best Physiotherapy Clinic, we are always happy to help.  Our Physiotherapy treatment for Piriformis Syndrome and deep gluteal pain is comprehensive, targeting not just the symptomatic muscle but the entire chain that contributes to hip and pelvic function. With a consistent Physiotherapy program, many clients can expect significant improvement in 4-8 weeks, depending on severity and chronicity.