Does physiotherapy treat piriformis syndrome?

A physiotherapist assesses your hip, lower back, pelvis and walking pattern because pain in the buttock can have several causes. Treatment may include gentle mobility work, stretching selected muscles, hands-on techniques and exercises for the hip and trunk. The programme should be adjusted if an exercise increases shooting pain, tingling or numbness down the leg.

Keep moving within a tolerable range and break up long periods of sitting. A clinician may suggest changing sitting posture, temporarily reducing activities that reproduce symptoms, and progressing strengthening gradually. Do not force a deep stretch into sharp or nerve-like pain. Follow the home programme consistently and report changes so it can be refined.

Arrange medical assessment for new weakness, worsening numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, fever, major injury or severe pain that does not settle. These features need prompt evaluation because they may indicate a problem beyond muscle irritation.

Ask which movements are safe, whether the sciatic nerve is involved, how sitting should be modified, and what improvement should look like during the exercise plan.