Piriformis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & How Chiropractic Care in Kelowna Can Help

Piriformis syndrome is one of the most overlooked causes of deep buttock pain, hip tightness, and leg symptoms that feel like sciatica. As a chiropractor who has treated this condition for more than three decades, I’ve seen how frustrating it can be for people who are told “everything looks normal” yet still struggle to sit, drive, run, or sleep comfortably. The good news: when properly identified, piriformis syndrome responds extremely well to chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue treatment, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and guided stretching. Most patients begin to feel relief within a few sessions. Let’s break down what’s really happening, how to know if you have it, and what you can do today to start feeling better. 

What Exactly Is Piriformis Syndrome? 

The piriformis muscle sits deep in your buttock and helps you rotate your hip. The problem is that, in many people, the sciatic nerve runs directly underneath it—or even through it. When the piriformis becomes tight, inflamed, or overworked, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to:

• Deep buttock pain
• Pain that radiates down the back of the leg
• Hip tightness or sharp pain when standing up
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
• Pain with sitting, driving, or getting out of the car 

Since the symptoms mimic sciatica or a lumbar disc issue, people often go months without the right diagnosis. 

How to Know if You Might Have Piriformis Syndrome 

Here are a few simple signs we look for in the clinic: 

1. Sitting Makes It Worse

   Pain builds up the longer you sit, especially on firm chairs or in the car. 

2.  Tenderness in One Spot of the Buttock

   Pressing on the outer hip/buttock reproduces the pain almost instantly. 

3.  Leg Symptoms Without Low Back Pain

   If your leg “zings” but your low back feels fine, the piriformis is a strong suspect. 

4.  Pain When You Rotate Your Hip

   Crossing your leg over the other or turning your foot outward can trigger symptoms. 

5.  Running, climbing, or long walks aggravate it

This muscle stabilizes the pelvis, so repetitive motion can irritate it. If these sound familiar, a chiropractic assessment can confirm the diagnosis quickly. 

How Chiropractic Care Helps Piriformis Syndrome

Chiropractic treatment addresses both the root cause and the nerve irritation, helping you feel better faster and prevent recurrence. 

1. Pelvic & Lumbar Adjustments

   Misalignment of the sacroiliac joint or lumbar spine puts extra load on the piriformis. Gentle adjustments restore motion, reduce muscle guarding, and take pressure off the sciatic nerve. 

2.  Soft-Tissue Release for the Piriformis

   Hands-on techniques and instrument-assisted methods help release deep muscle tension. 

3.  Gait & Posture Correction

   Your walking pattern often changes when you’re injured. We assess your gait, foot position, and hip mechanics so the muscle doesn’t keep getting irritated. 

4.  Laser Therapy (Class IV)

   Laser reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and accelerates healing—excellent for irritated nerves and deep muscle pain. 

5.  Shockwave Therapy

   Shockwave breaks up adhesions, improves mobility, and stimulates tissue regeneration—very effective for stubborn, chronic piriformis tightness. 

 Most patients do best with a combination of adjustments + laser + shockwave, especially if the problem has been lingering for weeks or months. 

Three Simple Stretches You Can Do at Home 

These are safe, effective, and perfect for loosening the piriformis without aggravating the nerve. 

1. Seated Piriformis Stretch

•  Sit tall in a chair.
• Cross your affected leg over the other knee.
• Gently lean forward from the hips until you feel a stretch in the buttock.
• Hold 20–30 seconds. Repeat 2–3 times. 

Great for anyone who sits a lot or has difficulty getting on the floor. 

2. Figure-4 Stretch (Lying Down)

• Lie on your back.
• Cross one ankle over the opposite knee (forming a “4”).
• Pull the uncrossed leg toward your chest.
• Hold 30 seconds. Repeat 2–3 times. 

This targets the deep hip rotators, including the piriformis. 

3. Hip External Rotation Stretch (Pigeon Prep)

• Kneel on the floor.
• Bring one leg forward, placing the shin across your body.
• Slide the other leg straight back.
• Gently lean your weight forward until you feel the stretch in the glute.
• Hold 20–30 seconds. 

Modify as needed—this one is powerful but can be intense. 

When to Seek Professional Care 

You should get assessed if:

• Pain has lasted more than 7–10 days
• You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Sitting becomes difficult
• Pain interrupts sleep
• Walking or running feels off
• You’ve tried stretching but the pain keeps returning 

Piriformis syndrome responds extremely well to chiropractic care when treated early. 

Ready to Get Relief?

Book Your Appointment in Kelowna 

If you’re dealing with buttock pain, hip tightness, or sciatica-type symptoms, we can help you get to the root cause and begin feeling stronger and more mobile again. At Tutt Street Family Chiropractic in Kelowna, we combine chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, gait assessment, and customized stretching plans to help you recover quickly and prevent recurrence. 

Book your appointment today:
Phone: 250-486-0062
Website: www.tuttstreetfamilychiropractic.com 

You don’t have to put up with ongoing pain. With the right treatment plan, you can move freely again—confident, strong, and back to doing what you love.