Thank you for the responses to the piriformis/sciatica post from Saturday.
I want to restate that not all sciatica is due to piriformis syndrome, and that if you have not had the cause of yours diagnosed, be sure to do so. Clearly understanding the cause will help you to resolve it faster.
A good friend of mine, Jorden Gold operates The Stretch Zone in Miami. Jorden is a stretching expert, and had this to add to my comments:
I fully agree with Doctor Kirschner, in the importance of ‘nipping it in the butt.’
Stretching the piriformis muscle is almost always necessary to relieve the pain along the sciatic nerve and there are many good documented piriformis stretches.I strongly recommend that once the inflammation resides that you not only continue these stretches, but also add general stretches for the whole buttocks area as well. Particularly when the sacroiliac area begins to feel tired, stiff and/or sore, these stretch/massage techniques should be done to prevent the piriformis syndrome from returning.
Example buttocks stretch- Begin on all fours. Place the affected foot across and underneath the trunk of the body so that the affected knee is outside the trunk. Extend the non-affected leg straight back behind the trunk and keep the pelvis straight. Keeping the affected leg in place, scoot the hips backwards towards the floor and lean forward on the forearms until deep stretch is felt. Do not force body to floor.
Example piriformis/Glute massage-
Sit on the middle of a foam roller ($15-$20 on the internet) with your hands on the floor behind you.
-Sit on side of glute area w/ ankle of opposite foot
across quad.
-Balance on hand and one foot holding “hot spots” until
pain diminishes
-Roll from top of glute to middle.
Thank you for your contribution Jorden. To my viewers- if you are in the Miami area give Jorden a call- you will have an amazing experience.
Be well!
-Andy
Rainbow over New Jersey.
Tags: Andrew Kirschner, back together, jorden gold, kirschner, piriformis, piriformis syndrome, Sciatica