Piriformis Syndrome Physical Therapy in Ahwatukee & Phoenix, AZ
Expert One-on-One Physical Therapy to Relieve Buttock Pain and Sciatica Symptoms
If you're experiencing pain deep in your buttock, pain that radiates down your leg, or discomfort with sitting, walking, or running, you may be dealing with piriformis syndrome. At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, we provide personalized, one-on-one physical therapy to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you return to work, sports, and the activities you enjoy.
Every visit is completed one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, ensuring your treatment plan is individualized to your goals and designed to address the underlying cause of your symptoms—not just relieve your pain.
Ready to get started? Schedule your evaluation today.
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock that helps rotate and stabilize the hip. In some people, the sciatic nerve passes underneath or even through the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis becomes tight, irritated, or overworked, it can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, resulting in buttock pain and symptoms that may radiate down the back of the leg.
Piriformis syndrome can closely resemble sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation, which is why a thorough physical therapy evaluation is important to identify the true source of your symptoms and guide the most effective treatment.
Common Symptoms
You may have piriformis syndrome if you experience:
✔ Deep pain in the buttock
✔ Pain that radiates down the back of the leg
✔ Tingling or numbness into the leg
✔ Pain when sitting for long periods
✔ Pain with walking, running, or climbing stairs
✔ Discomfort crossing your legs
✔ Hip stiffness or tightness
✔ Pain during squatting or lunging
Common Causes
Piriformis syndrome commonly develops from:
Overuse from running or repetitive activities
Prolonged sitting
Poor hip mobility
Weak gluteal muscles
Muscle tightness
Sudden increases in exercise or training
Falls or direct trauma to the buttock
Abnormal movement mechanics
During your evaluation, we'll determine whether your symptoms are coming from the piriformis muscle, your lumbar spine, or another structure so that treatment is directed at the true cause of your pain.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Your treatment plan at Movewell is customized to relieve irritation of the piriformis muscle and improve the way your body moves. Treatment may include:
Hands-on Manual Therapy to reduce muscle tightness and improve hip and lumbar mobility.
Soft Tissue Techniques to decrease muscle tension and improve tissue mobility.
Stretching Exercises for the piriformis, hip rotators, and surrounding muscles.
Gluteal and Core Strengthening to improve hip stability and reduce stress on the piriformis.
Mobility Exercises to restore normal hip and pelvic movement.
Dry Needling, when appropriate, to reduce muscle tension and improve pain.
Movement Retraining to improve walking, running, lifting, and daily movement mechanics.
Gradual Return-to-Activity Progressions to safely return to exercise, sports, and work.
Our goal is to relieve your pain while correcting the underlying movement impairments that contributed to your symptoms, helping reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
Why Choose Movewell?
At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, you'll receive:
100% one-on-one treatment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Expert orthopedic and sports rehabilitation
Evidence-based treatment plans
Hands-on manual therapy
Personalized exercise programs
Dry needling, when appropriate
Clear education throughout your recovery
A fun, welcoming environment focused on helping you move your best
Our mission is simple:
Help you move well, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is piriformis syndrome the same as sciatica?
Not exactly. Piriformis syndrome can cause sciatica-like symptoms because the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve. However, true sciatica is often caused by irritation of the nerve in the lower back. A thorough evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms.
Can physical therapy help piriformis syndrome?
Yes. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for piriformis syndrome. Improving hip mobility, reducing muscle tightness, strengthening the gluteal and core muscles, and correcting movement mechanics can significantly reduce symptoms.
Should I keep exercising?
In many cases, yes. Temporary modifications may be needed to avoid aggravating symptoms while allowing the muscle and nerve to calm down. Your physical therapist will guide you through a safe progression back to activity.
How long does recovery take?
Many people notice significant improvement within 4 to 8 weeks, although recovery depends on symptom severity, how long the condition has been present, and consistency with treatment.
Ready to Get Back to Pain-Free Movement?
Piriformis syndrome doesn't have to keep you from sitting comfortably, exercising, working, or enjoying your daily activities. At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, we'll identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you move with confidence again.