For centuries, effective self Piriformis release was limited to the hands of a trained physical or massage therapist. Welcome to 2022, where you can perform self Piriformis release whenever, and wherever you like with just one tool and one stretch. Follow along to see how you can benefit from self Piriformis release and relieve that nagging butt pain caused by Piriformis muscle.
Piriformis Muscle Referred Pain Pattern [1]
Self Piriformis Release - Step 1
There are two steps to self Piriformis release, and it is crucial that they are done in sequential order. The first step is to break up all of the tension, knots, and trigger points in the Piriformis muscle. The reason behind this step of self Piriformis release is to eliminate the constant tension in the muscle that is currently wrenching on joints, impinging nerves, and causing pain.
Self Piriformis Release - Step 2
Step 2 of self Piriformis release can be done anywhere, anytime - no equipment or tools required. To perform Piriformis release step 2, all you need to do is stretch the Piriformis muscle as shown in the image below. It is very important that you perform step 2 after step 1, because many tight Piriformis muscles have trigger points and knots that can't be stretched.
Piriformis Stretch [2]
Learn more about the Piriformis muscle at the posts below!
Sources/Influences:
[1] Donnelly, Joseph M. Travell, Simons & Simons Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: the Trigger Point Manual. 3rd ed., Wolters Kluwer Health, 2019.
[2] Davies, Clair, and Amber Davies. The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief. 3rd ed., New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2013.