Treating And Preventing Piriformis Syndrome

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic manipulative treatment is a musculoskeletal treatment technique designed to alleviate chronic pain. Osteopaths are medical doctors who specialize in muscular complaints and disorders. Although they are licensed to treat any medical conditions, osteopathic medicine is based on the philosophy that the body operates as a whole and disease is caused by some disjuncture between body systems.

The osteopathic manipulative treatment practiced by osteopathic physicians is very similar to chiropractic adjustment methods. Osteopathic manipulative treatment can help restore lumbosacral alignment and loosen and stretch the piriformis muscle. Additionally, an osteopath can prescribe muscle relaxers or pain medication as needed, and help patients devise a routine of home treatments, stretches, and exercises to eliminate and prevent the recurrence of piriformis syndrome.

Continue to reveal how to prevent piriformis syndrome and continue managing it if it does.

Maintain Good Form During Exercise

While regular exercise is crucial to managing piriformis syndrome and maintaining overall health, patients need to be mindful of the range of movements they put their body through, especially around the lower back and hips. Avoid lifting while bending at the waist, such as with barbells or kettlebells. Cardio exercises that require the leg and hip to flex into a ninety-degree angle, like stair climbers, should also be avoided. Choose exercise moves that slowly stretch the back, legs, and hip flexors, but do not require circular hip rotations or sudden kicks. All of these types of movements involve recruitment of the piriformis muscle and may be aggravating, so be sure to maintain good form during exercise.

Learn about how warming up comes into play next.