Relief is possible—pelvic floor–focused care helps address the root cause.
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle—located deep in the buttock—irritates or compresses the nearby sciatic nerve. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the hip down into the leg, often mimicking sciatica.
Because the piriformis attaches to the pelvis, dysfunction in this muscle often interacts with the pelvic floor and surrounding structures. Tightness, weakness, or imbalance in the piriformis can influence pelvic alignment, nerve mobility, and the way the pelvic floor muscles activate. That’s why pelvic floor physical therapists are uniquely positioned to treat piriformis syndrome—we look not only at the hip and spine, but also at how the pelvic floor and core are contributing to your pain.
Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle becomes overly tight, strained, or imbalanced. Common causes and contributing factors include:
Because the piriformis sits so close to the pelvic floor, any dysfunction in one area can perpetuate issues in the other. For example, overactive pelvic floor muscles often create compensatory tension in the piriformis, while weakness in the core and hips can overload the muscle, increasing strain on the sciatic nerve.
At Sarton Pelvic Healing, we perform a comprehensive evaluation that goes far beyond a standard orthopedic exam. Your assessment includes a detailed review of your history and symptoms, along with both external and internal pelvic floor testing to identify tension, weakness, or nerve involvement. We also evaluate hip, spine, and core strength and mobility, perform nerve mobility testing to determine if the sciatic nerve is restricted, and analyze your movement and posture to uncover habits that may be aggravating your pain. This holistic approach allows us to see the full picture—ensuring that both the piriformis and the pelvic floor are addressed so your pain doesn’t keep returning.
Our treatment approach is designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and build long-term strength and resilience. With pelvic floor–focused care, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we resolve the underlying muscle and nerve imbalances so you can move with confidence again.
“THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO EACH TIME WE MEET TO HELP DISSECT “THE PUZZLE. You would have been a tremendous detective! Glad you’re not! Without you and all you have done I would have never come this far!”
You deserve answers and relief from your pelvic pain. Our experienced team is here to guide you in reclaiming your confidence and quality of life.
