Piriformis Syndrome Treatment- STOP Tennis Ball & Foam Rolling! (Try This Instead)

[@DivineByDesignWithDani]

Tennis ball massage and foam rolling is the only thing that healed me after YEARS of going to a multitude doctors and therapists who were all basically a waste of my time and money. A simple tennis ball and foam roller changed my life for the better, and the pain has never returned.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! That’s awesome. Curious- the only thing you performed was tennis ball massage and foam rolling? No other exercises or treatment at the same time? Next question for me becomes which was it. The foam rolling or the massage… and only 1 technique or were you foam rolling multiple areas of the leg/hip etc? For example, many people tell me that one treatment works… but they were doing it in conjunction with other exercises or things… Thanks for watching!

[@maryherbivorre3393]

I love how you encourage people to take control of their own bodies by healing themselves instead of being at the mercy of others. The focus is internal instead of on external sources. After all, we know our own bodies better than anyone else. I really respect this.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Thanks Mary! Appreciate you checking out my content! Thanks so much.

[@ufomum]

I have suffered with Piriformis Syndrome for the best part of a year. I have been seeing a chiropractor for the last 2 weeks with only minimal relief. I have bought a massage gun, pain relief cream and a TENS machine, all of which I have used on my left hip and gluteal area. I have just started watching this video, got to the part about using a ball on the same side as my pain to massage my upper neck and thought I’d use my dog’s hard plastic ball to see if anything would happen. Well, I’m absolutely shocked!!!! I can suddenly lift my weakened left leg up in front of me and I don’t have any pain!!!! OMG!!! It actually works!!! I’m still watching this video and I’m pain free!! Thank you soooo much Dr Charlie!! I honestly can’t believe this!! I hope everyone in pain finds your channel👏🏻

[@ufomum]

Update: I have just managed to walk around the local dog park ( Coogee, Western Australia, 5.00pm) and kept up with my 13 year old Golden Retriever! This morning I could barely walk and had to sit on the bench and just watch her😂 This treatment truly works and I’m forever grateful for this information.

[@andrewovus6952]

@@ufomum why use it in the upper neck? Thanks

[@melodyebuskin5490]

Exactly the same here. I’m selling my massage gun and foam roller set on eBay!

[@melodyebuskin5490]

How are you doing now?

[@flyguy0765]

Trying this!

[@goonertron]

For my piriformis syndrome I use the wobble walk with resistance bands,if you strengthen the Minimus muscle (opposing muscle to the piriformis) that should stop the piriformis working too hard,when the piriformis is working too hard it usually starts squeezing on the sciatic nerve hence the pain etc.

[@georgeeberhardt1058]

great advice

[@uskz708]

I've found that walking and hot/cold treatment to work best whilst dealing with piriformis syndrome all stretching did was give me another injury on top of piriformis syndrome

[@Arman-gz8yz]

Tennis ball thing made it worst for me

[@waynemacisaac7577]

walking is too painful

[@TropicsLil]

I have it in my left side and every time I use the tennis ball in the evening after a busy day and it’s flared up, makes it worse and I can’t sleep at night! I’m not doing the ball tonight, but I’ll do the stretches because that feels good. What has helped me the most is when I take a hot bath, then later sit on ice!

[@katherinep.4823]

Great video Dr. Charlie. Couldn’t agree more. I was guilty of doing this and it only made my pain worse. Thanks for helping me realize this and sharing your knowledge with others. Tennis balls are for tennis! 🎾 😂

[@soots-stayingoutofthespotl5495]

I've been to two different physios recently (and an osteopath), neither of whom seem to have a clear idea where the sciatica is coming from, mainly because I've variously had pain in the front/ back/ sides of my leg, outside the calf, inside the thigh, right glute, outer hip etc etc etc. However, after some (warm) laser to my glutes and my lower back, plus some hamstring massage and elbows dug-in to the glutes the pain went away, albeit temporarily. But both physios recommended treating trigger points at home myself with a ball. Now, I've tried actually working the piriformis to strengthen it as-per one of Charlie's videos, and there may be something in that. I also did his bending tests to try and pinpoint the source, but the latter just resulted in lower back pain for days when I didn't have any before. So, I'm a bit stumped, and being brutally honest I'm not sure that this video helps (physios as a profession), because it basically says: try massaging everywhere and see what happens. I appreciate that most of my pain is referred pain, but surely the left upper back can't affect the right-hand buttock, even allowing for the fact that the sciatic nerve travels throughout the body? And if it can, shouldn't everybody's very first physio session be what Charlie describes here, rather than the therapist asking a few questions, making a decision, honing-in on one area and potentially being wrong?

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! thanks for watching! It can be confusing to find the source of these symptoms... but much easier if you follow a systematic approach. As for if the upper back can impact the lower back idea... think of it like this... is your upper left back in a separate body than your right butt? The answer would be no. So, therefore, if they are in the same system- they have the ability to interact/influence one another. Without going too far into a quantum physics explanation... everythings connected.

[@soots-stayingoutofthespotl5495]

@@drcharliejohnson Yeah, I guess you are right about that. It's just frustrating to be a sufferer (who's running out-of funds for treatment) and feel like you're not really getting anywhere. I had sciatica once before, but after just one sports massage and an osteo appointment it was gone. This time around, I initially took 10 days off work because I could hardly walk, and I've had 6 treatment sessions so far, however I'm now throwing all sorts at it myself such as doing medium-weight/ high-rep sets on the abductor machine, getting back to doing a bit of running, and massaging my entire lower half on the Powerplate afterwards. I do actually feel that I've turned a corner, but it's not exactly a scientic approach and it would be nice to know where the issue stems from, so that I can speed things up; is it my spine, piriformis, one of the deeper/ smaller glute muscles... or perhaps my upper back even?! The 'usual suspect' tests that I've done at home seem inconclusive so I can't really blame the physios but they *are* supposed to be the experts, and every minute of their time is relatively expensive.

[@jtv7361]

You are a genius! Thanks

[@drcharliejohnson]

Why thank you! appreciate you watching

[@oldenmarlow339]

But what if it works? The foam roller worked for my piriformis.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Great if it works! For most it aggravates... and or works temporarily.

[@DivineByDesignWithDani]

Same here @ foam roller worked as well as the tennis 🎾 ball .

[@debiethredge3020]

Very Enlightening! Going to start on this journey today to see where it takes me. ty!

[@jerrycash5606]

40 years of chronic tormented existence. Assessment is critical. Help... Can't tell what therapy to follow. I am at a loss....

[@brockreynolds870]

I rested and soaked in epsom salt hot baths to heal mine.

[@yogaanddoritos6738]

I've had pain in both glutes for almost a year now. Spent a month and a half going to a chiropractor with no relief. He seemed to think it's my SI joints, but I'm not sure. The pain is in my upper glutes, sometimes middle and outside as well... Like knots (and he would dig into them too, which yes, hurt good but mostly hurt!) When I have the knots, I end up with my calves developing knots as well and getting extremely tight. It's so frustrating! It gets really bad if I walk ( or basically any exercise exacerbates it). I used to exercise a lot (or a normal amount! 5-6 times a day, walking/kickboxing/yoga). I'm scared to do anything now or everything tightens up and I get these "knots" I'm at a healthy weight 5'1" 117 lbs 43 yr old female for reference. Any clue what the hell this is!?? Or anything I can do? I'm so discouraged! Thank you!

[@nolapaul3577]

Sounds like me and I have been diagnosed with Hamstring tendinopathy!

[@yogaanddoritos6738]

@@nolapaul3577 thank you! what are you doing for it?

[@nolapaul3577]

@@yogaanddoritos6738 I am seeing a Physio and I bought a stationary bike to keep up my cardio, I have hamstring tendinopathy. The hamstring is what controls our movement forward (flexion and extension) and unfortunately can literally be a pain in the but and can effect our pelvis. I am a 51 personal trainer and exercised 6 times a week, lifting weights, running and not allowing enough rest for my body. I also have a day job where I sit and drive for long periods of time. Its been 4 weeks for me, going back to basics. Starting with band exercises that focus on hip and glute muscles and core exercises. Like you, even walking hurts my hip and lower back. Then the plan is to slowly load the muscles and regain my strength. If the exercise is hurting your lower back (SIJ) then the range is too big and you just pull it back. Im determined to get back to running! :)

[@yogaanddoritos6738]

@@nolapaul3577 Thank you for all of your input! I am figuring out my triggers... yoga and stretching too much is definitely one of them. I have noticed if I do the clam shell leg things and bridge with a band, I seem to not get as sore after exercise. I am determined to be able to walk for an hour without having major "butt" pain after lol. With Yoga, it's like my left hamstring is stuck! I cannot get it to loosen up and it makes all the muscles from my butt to my calf feel like their in knots after. UGH! It is so aggravating!

[@jj_qq5239]

I think I have the same problem as you. Pain in deep butt that feels like knots. Pain in upper, outer glutes. I do not have any calve issues however. Any exercise makes it worse, even just going on a walk. I also cant sleep on my sides at night because it makes the issue worse. I think I am going to try a physical therpaist soon but I am doing his Piriformis Syndrome exercises to see if it helps. I'll let you know if I see the physical therapist soon and what they say. :(

[@annamay3083]

You are SO RIGHT 😊

[@rclem21]

Dr Charlie, thanks for another great way to improve ourselves. I credit you for getting me back in action. TY, TY!!

[@drcharliejohnson]

Dave Citterman 💪🏻 you got it man. Thanks for watching!

[@JW-_]

Lots of information on what not to do. What's the solution

[@ltepezano]

He has other videos on this topic and what to do. You should check them out. I just came across these and am so excited. I’ve been in pain for months.

[@ExothermicRxn]

I’ve found your videos really helpful! Please could you add time stamps?

[@MA-un1mj]

Ur the best💕, I've been doing all the stupid stuff mentioned, with hip bursitis, (low r.o.m)...& I have lots of stairs! 😱

[@drcharliejohnson]

M A! You got this! Let me know if I can help in any other way 👊🏼. Dr charlie

[@MA-un1mj]

@@drcharliejohnson my 12 stairs are painful to do, & I'm not sure what to do anymore. Gd bless:)

[@tishguerrero]

Does this also apply to SI joint dysfunction?

[@melodyebuskin5490]

I tried using the ball again on my left hip just to see. It felt good at the time. Later I was in discomfort walking the dog. Back to doing clams! 🤪 And relief!

[@drcharliejohnson]

HAHA- curiosity got the best of you! Good learning moment

[@piscesmoon4467]

Awesome video 👏

[@waynemacisaac7577]

it is too painful to "move around"

[@drcharliejohnson]

Dont do it then!

[@waynemacisaac7577]

@@drcharliejohnson LOL. good idea. 🤡

[@mylena3086]

​@@drcharliejohnsonwtf You should not be so arrogant being absolutely incompetent in your job If you're not able to move around that's a problem and you're just being someone who likes to hear themselves talk too much You just want attention and provide no help and also your tone is annoying If you don't wanna help people Then don't Don't post videos baiting people and wonder how it could be possible they actually truly authentically and probably desperatly are searching for help People like you are the exact reason people prefer a tennis ball and the comfort of their home Stop the medical gaslighting and look for a new job, you're not a doctor (unless you take the og etymology and know that doctor means 'a person who tries to seem competent') I kinda hope you'll experience the pain youre dismissing so easily here Just so you have a chance to learn decency and stop being straight up embarrassing

[@mylena3086]

​@@drcharliejohnsonalso liking your own comment in such context speaks volumes

[@atulgarg5226]

My back and butt pain goes away after some stretching and exercises. However, it comes back when I wake up in the morning. Should I sleep on the floor? Any suggestions?

[@drcharliejohnson]

For sure time to change something about sleep!! 🔥. Great detective work!

[@crazychicken4063]

Same for me. Problem is, I can't find the thing that will help.

[@Neermalamuu]

Too much talking. Show exercises

[@paulstyle007]

Nobody like you in Ireland ,be great if you were here ,I'd love to have you assess my issue

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Paul! Thanks for checking out my content- appreciate it man. For sure, I consult with folks worldwide. Obviously no pressure, but if you're interested in chatting to see if/how I may be able to help- I'd ask that you schedule a time to chat. Best way to do that is to visit: www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply Sound good? Hang in there Paul! Dr. Charlie

[@king0vdarkness]

I hit some forehands yesterday in tennis and my right buttock started hurting what should I do?

[@jerrycash5606]

T-10, T-11,T12, L-1 sciatic Left? Piriformis Left. Dead bone (navicular) Left collapse 20mm Grrrrrrr.......

[@eddiemuise4791]

I udef the ball.and feel the spot on my job

[@jerrycash5606]

Dude. Look up "Cox Technique " then help

[@andreatodd3095]

Honestly I love your message, but please dom"t keep repeating yourself, we get it, streamline your message to fit more of your advice in the one video.

[@RDP920]

and find a better word than "yucky".