Piriformis Muscle – Sarah Fischer
Piriformis Muscle – Sarah Fischer
I can’t say why it is, but for some reason the piriformis muscle is one of my favorite muscles, that’s right, I have my favorites.
This muscle attaches to your sacrum, around the 2nd to 4th segment and then distally attaches to your greater trochanter, which can be found on your femur. The function of the piriformis is lateral rotation and abduction (lifting away from the body) of the thigh, it is also one of the muscles that assist with holding the head of the femur in place.
When this muscle gets shortened and tight you may feel discomfort within the buttock, hip, low back or experience some pelvic pain. There might also be limited internal rotation of the hip and stiffness in the hip that may change gait/posture in activities such as squats or lunges, even walking, that may lead to injury if not addressed.
In some cases with the increase of restriction and shortening of the piriformis, it may affect your sciatic nerve, leading to nerve irritation (tingling, numbness) felt in the posterior thigh and may continue all the way down into the foot. When the sciatic nerve comes into the picture due to the piriformis, this is then referred to as piriformis syndrome (not common).
You can also tell with clients when the piriformis is shortened, by looking at their legs/feet when they are lying on their back, it can pull and cause the thigh to externally/laterally rotate. Being a therapist for 6 to 7 years, I find this muscle is commonly irritated. Massage is a great way to release the muscle, surrounding muscles and tissues when irritation and restrictions occur.
Just like anything else, it is better to address a concern before injury or further muscle imbalances occur. Below I have attached photo of where the muscle is found and ways to stretch the area.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Adica Massage Clinic. We have a massage to fit your every need. Including, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage and even couple’s massage.