Piriformis (Hip Pain) Syndrome

The muscles of the hip play a major role in the entire gait cycle. Contraction and relaxation hundreds and thousands of times certainly predispose them to an accumulation of toxins and an ultimate shortening of the muscles. This shortening can produce pain and stiffness in the hip. Whether it's the piriformis muscles, the gluteus medius muscle or a hip bursitis, much of the pain is due to inflammation and increased contracture of muscles. Treatment consists of:

• Reduce activity during the acute phase - look to cross train.
• Ice the area of involvement, especially after exercise.
• Use tennis ball treatment: while sitting on floor, lean back onto elbows and place tennis ball under involved hip (see diagrams below). Roll onto ball placing it under sites of increased pain and discomfort, agitate for 10-15 seconds, and move to another point in the muscle, multiple times per day. (Muscles just above hip bones).
• If available, apply ultra-sound treatment.
• Once inflammation is down, begin gentle stretching combined with use of The Stick.
• For reduced inflammation, use Rehab Plus.
• Evaluate shoes for wear and tear as well as proper mechanical fit.
• Determine foot-type to know appropriate shoes to wear.
• Consider biomechanical exam and standing x-rays if condition doesn't heal - Structural Fingerprint.