What is piriformis syndrome and how to tell if you have it.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Thanks so much for watching! Want to pinpoint the source of your back, butt, hip, or leg/sciatica pain without needing expensive images or a specialist? 🔥Grab my FREE “Better Than an MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide” here 👉 www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide

[@GloriaCote-o1c]

Dr. Charlie, you were the only one that helped me to strengthen my pitiformis and ended the pain. Eternally grateful!

[@Canerglr]

Thank you so much. You deserve your title. I went, three different physiotherapists. They did not even figure out what is the problem. Luckily KZbin recommended your videos.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Thanks Caner!

[@wiccan3548]

I cannot believe I finally found this! I was diagnosed with cuada equine syndrome 15 years ago and had spinal fusion. For the last 10 years I've been having burning sharp pain right in that area. I even had another MRI, but they only focused on the fusion. Thank you so much!

[@midnightmover2329]

So you’re doubly incontinent?

[@chelseaabernathy5945]

Definitely had pain in that area when doing the test. Almost like a strong cramp. I couldn’t hold it very long. Tried the exercise on your other video and it’s already helping some. I’m only 28 but feel 58 with this issue lol. Walking and also lying in bed seems to aggravate the muscle for me. Hoping I won’t have to deal with it much longer since finding this video. Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@drcharliejohnson]

Awesome, Chelsea! You're welcome. Thanks for watching. How are things going now?

[@chelseaabernathy5945]

@Mom Life Aneng I've had no issues for almost a year .

[@puma948]

@@chelseaabernathy5945 HOW LONG DID YOU HAD PERIFORMIS PROBLEM AND HOW DID YOU SOLVE IT??

[@Robynloveshred]

I've had sciatica in the past, but for the last 6 months sciatica like pains.Been having physical therapy almost every month and two torridal injections, nerve conductor test,and a joint injection scheduled this February 27th. Along with the sometimes excruciating pain what's been happening is if I stand on my left leg and raise my right leg, my right foot points to the right about 45 degrees. If I stand on right foot and raise the left it points straight.I used to run long distances years back and was running 1-1.5 hours twice a week about 6 months ago.I had an x ray of my right tibia, fibula last week. Your description fits my symptoms to the tee. At times the pain is excruciating and after walking from parking lot to sign in at Kaiser for appointment I have to kneel down as my right leg hurts very much.The pain pills help lower the pain for about 2-3 hours. Thank You for posting this video.

[@tycobrahe7663]

Wow! That 90 degree leg-lift test is so simple. Recreated the pain in the right hip. Thank you for making this information available. You really know your field!

[@drcharliejohnson]

Thanks Tyco!

[@Nettie-jt1nv]

Thank you so much for this, was confused by other people trying to explain it.. most of my pain comes from my tailbone

[@ricardoremo1991]

I've been feeling so depressed and downright paranoid over my buttock and leg pain. Your videos just came to show what I thought happened but I got misdiagnosed. 1. One morning I left like a pulled muscle sensation in the buttock. Kinda ignored it. 2 later that day I was having excruciating pain on my left outer hip, some burning sensation on my outer left calf and numbness of my toes. 3. During this whole time no back pain. 4. Dr told likely to be sciatica. I went with it. After a bunch of pain relieving meds and anti inflammatory meds there was little improvement 5. Was given some exercise that stretch the piriformis and they are excruciating!! Still no further improvement on my condition 6. Your videos make me think I was right all along and that the underlying cause was deep muscle constricting the sciatica nerve, for which stretching will only constrict further. 7. I'm starting the exercises on your other video today. Will keep you posted. Thank you for being so clear and sharing this info with everybody

[@mwcleaning]

Ricardo, has anything helped you with your condition that is similar to what I have?

[@aliceai4649]

How did you fix it?

[@patmcmaster1010]

@Ricardo Goncalves have you any update on your condition as this sounds similar to what I'm suffering from. Thanks.

[@Reikimeditations2024]

thanks iv tried everything and this really helped

[@TylerZane2010]

Thanks for this. I was convinced I had PS until watching this. I think not now. Probably sciatica or a disc since my hip and lower back have issues.

[@amandab1321]

I've been in severe pain all day and this was very helpful. Thank you!!!

[@drcharliejohnson]

Glad you found it helpful Amanda! You're welcome. thanks for watching

[@chizzle04330]

I think this is the most helpful video I have ever seen in my life!

[@jaystwopence]

This is why i come to youtube. Chiropractor and my Dr are saying i need surgery for a disk problem but i dont have back pain. This was clear and i have these symptoms although it is a problem atleast it puts my mind at ease somewhat thank you

[@chadinmich1]

I had Sciatic nerve pain (when driving/sitting more than 20 mins) start about 5 yrs ago (when I was 45). Stretching my piroformis muscle on that side everyday or every few days would alleviate it. Then it suddenly stopped helping it. I had SI injection 3 years ago and it did nothing. Then recently I saw a different dr that spent about 30 mins w me. He examined me and listened to me about my symptoms and diagnosed me with piroformis syndrome. I had a cortisone injection in my piroformis muscle a few days later and it actually helped a lot. I’d been taking a pretty high dose of gabapentin the last 3 yrs, which barely helped w the pain and caused me to gain substantial amount of weight. I stopped taking the gabapentin completely within a wk of the injection. I’ve noticed when I stretch the piroformis muscle, it actually makes my symptoms worse. I’m going to try these exercises starting today. Thanks for sharing.

[@jerrycash5606]

Now I'm sure. Thanks Doc. Glad KZbin put you in my feed. Something to work with.

[@Volkl158]

Thanks to your flow chart and this video I'm pain free for the first time since 2016. I had back surgery in 2019 and just could not get rid of the vestiges of pain. These two exercises and I'm good to go. worked fast too. Thank you thank you!

[@drcharliejohnson]

Awesome! So glad I could help you! What did you find most valuable about the flowchart? Dr. Charlie

[@Bozzigmupp]

What exericeses did you do

[@Volkl158]

@@drcharliejohnson the way you used elimination. I’m still pain free! Thanks!!!

[@Volkl158]

@@Bozzigmupp kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHmaZ5eDirigf9U

[@tarek307]

I thought i had sciatica, then thought ok maybe its piformis but these stretches actually make me feel better almost or bring on some relief ..i'm so tired of all this, been 4-5 months, went to doctor and he said its nothing just inflammation and will go away in a week, well its been 4 months

[@SamMoreno970]

How do you feel now??

[@tarek307]

@@SamMoreno970 much better, but its still sort of there after a year

[@SamMoreno970]

@@tarek307 thanks for replying. I've been doing the long piriformis things today and felt instant relief. I'm at month five of the misery of this

[@beatadunn9899]

Have you tried dry needling IMS?

[@tarek307]

@@beatadunn9899 no, the sciatica went away from that side then came back with a vengence on the other side, was almost unbearable pain-

[@martaxiaoping1261]

Exactly all of this! I told my physio many times that it was not on my back, that I noticed my foot going to the side and these strechers, that she was doing, were causing a lot of pain - she didnt believe me! She continued with the streches and massages on the back! :(

[@Vectorman2X]

what a great video,this answer my right foot leaning outside lately along with the sciatica pain

[@JohnSmith-iu8cj]

Thank you! I think I have both sciatica from the back and the piriformis due to one sided leg use due to knee injury and endless sitting with wrong posture. Your video convinced me that I have both, before I wasn’t sure. The back pain is there, but the piriformis as well. On the good side I am so weak I can’t even lift the leg, on the bad side it’s easy to lift and much shorter than on the good side. Also I always tend to stand like you said with one leg rotated out. Thank you also for the other video with the strengthening exercises!

[@davehysom2636]

I don't care how many times you say OK -- because it's so refreshing that you're not stitching clips together every second or so, and are instead filming in a single take. Oh, yeah, also great advice. I've been struggling with sciatica for a while (injections and microdicotomy). I don't think I have piriformis problems, but your vids are a a great diagnostic tool.

[@squndsxoxo5728]

I’m 29, been at my desk job for 10 years and have been suffering from severe buttocks pain recently- no back pain. Pretty sure I’m experiencing piriformis syndrome after watching this. Thanks for the informative video!

[@johnvaldivia4718]

Hope you are good now... any updates?

[@edwigcarol4888]

Thank you for making such helpful useful knowledge and practice available. I has been interested in the piriformis in their function to ensure more stability in the sacroiliac joint... I guess i must strengthen them. They are stretched through my usual yoga-sitting posture.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Edwig! Appreciate you checking out my channel- happy to help. Let me know if ya have specific questions!

[@marjoriesell8079]

Six years of pain has wrecked my life.

[@MuvoTX]

Thank you for this explanation!! I have had this deep hip-pelvis pain condition off and on for ~30 years. It can occur on either the right or left side, more recently it happens on my right side. I can always (every time) trace it back to bad sitting posture (airplane, long car ride, movie theater, desk-work...etc). Or if I fall asleep sitting up in bed, and I slowly slide down into a poor ergonomic position I will wake up with this pain inside my hip. It is hit and miss though. Sometimes I catch myself slouching in my chair at work and I think "Oh no I am going to hurt"... but then nothing happens. So I definitely think there is a time exposure element too. The longer I sit poorly the greater the risk of exposure. When I do hurt, I take ibuprofen for two days and it completely goes away if I catch it early enough. 600mg in the morning and 400mg at night before bed. I HATE taking anti-inflammatory pills but it totally works every time. So far its the only thing that works too. I am going to try regular piriformis exercizes... THANKS!!! So far (knock on wood) I haven't had any condition where I feel pain in my back, or my leg. It's only been an inflammatory pain in the ass... hahaha

[@drcharliejohnson]

Sure thing! Happy to help... Sounds like you've tried to narrow it down- way to go. but still have some confusion there Let me know if ya have questions or would be interested in working together. Would love to see if/how I can help. Thanks for watching!

[@inamontgomery6666]

Hi Charlie thank you for the information I been in pain for 30 years still no relief I need to see you

[@drcharliejohnson]

Ina! Sure thing. Glad I could help. If you’re interested in working with me- just visit: www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply

[@zukimom2508]

This was a great explanation of what my diagnosis was. My dr. Just told me the name of it and that I could "look it up and read about it" then began showing me my pt stretches. Not much relief with him after 6 weeks of therapy. Thanks for this video.

[@zukimom2508]

Cuz I DO stand with my one leg out a little. He never mentioned that. Smh😔

[@htmonaro1969]

Thanks Charlie, I used to teach a couple of different courses in Shenzhen and after one trip, in 2017, I ran a club XC the afternoon I arrived back. I started getting significant pain in the middle of both hamstrings. My physiotherapists never got on top of the pain, but eventually I self-diagnosed PS. Apparently all the sitting on the trip back compressed the piriformus, which compressed the sciatic nerve. Multiple banded clams and side leg raises later it went away. More recently my right hamstring started to feel tight, but when I saw my physio I was more concerned about the quadricep tendinitis, caused by my new Nike Invincibles, than my hamstring. Anyway, my son and I were stretching after our runs yesterday and, because he always does the stretch you showed, I did them too. They really triggered my right hamstring pain, compared to the left one, which was fine. I just did the first test and the left one hurt a bit but the right one hurt a lot. I have now failed both tests, so does that mean I have PS again?

[@aartivedi5539]

Banded. Clams?? What's that..

[@aartivedi5539]

Exactly how confused people r when he explains.. I have that pain more when I am up from a night's sleep. Or working throughout the day. Nothing he says is clear

[@aartivedi5539]

And what did he say to cure.. Nothing I guess??

[@Romantico1962]

If you tell the doctor I have sciatic pain, then he will tell you, let's do injection, and if you tell the doctor I have a hamstring, he will say take Tylenol, so at the end nobody knows anything.

[@barbarapratt1280]

Excellent quick analysis. If your subscribers are truly interested they will have learned a lot. As a fellow PT I appreciate your professionalism. Thank you.

[@tional5266]

I sleep the same as your test, probably why I’m in pain in the morning!

[@catoob8372]

after watching this I still don't know if my problem is sciatica or piriformis. but I really like the way you teach and show videos. after months of PT, being crippled for the last 8 months, and no progress, I think I will stick with you for a while.

[@meetvanja157]

How is the condition now I'm in the same condition as yours

[@Kemrer]

Thank you

[@amelieveegaert8841]

OMG you're genius!!! I've been driving myself nuts for weeks trying to figure out what I have. My pain started on the side, right above the left knee. Now it's also in one particular spot in my left butt (crazy tingling in both spots, sharp pain and tingling on the side of the knee). Docs have been saying the problem is where it's started hurting, hence the knee: patellofemoral, IT band, tears in the quad etc. But I just did your test and I passed with flying colors. My question is: how is strengthening the piriformis helping the healing process if the piriformis is too tight and compressing the sciatica nerve? It would be super helpful to know.

[@fahimdawar134]

Thanks

[@drcharliejohnson]

Welcome

[@nickfitz9800]

Please do a video of what to do to relieve the pain. I only have buttock pain right where you pointed. I got it after driving a lot at work ie. 12 hours or more.

[@duncanbowtell2607]

I get spasms in my butt. They come on relatively unexpectedly, though common in some situations - standing cooking, lying down on my side, some walking and sitting. The spasms are like intense daggers into the joint, deep within the buttock. I think this is to do with my lower back (herniated/degenerative disc). If I press on the back some pain travels to butt. But it never goes lower.

[@ashleyfarrell3576]

I can’t even hold my leg up for 15 seconds doing that first test because the pain is awful....this is actually the first time I have had pain specifically in this area and to this extreme (long time back pain sufferer here).

[@ad1921]

Thanks very useful video

[@devpatel2842]

What are the other more common things that need to be ruled out??

[@drcharliejohnson]

Great question- check out this diagnostic video for piriformis syndrome I created! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3rOZJt3ltWCb7s Let me know if that clears things up. Dr. Charlie

[@cipher893]

Great guide. I was thinking I might have piriformis but my feet don’t want to be rotated outward and I also have lower back pain. Thanks a lot!

[@Hank520Tube]

Thanks for a great, straightforward video. Now I know I don't have piriformis syndrome. Likely back to Meralgia paresthetica, a similar condition involving a tendon and lateral femoral nerve, because only my upper front part of leg sometimes get numb. Thanks very much.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Hank... thanks for tuning in. No problem, glad you found it useful. That could be in the deck of cards (meralgia parasthetica)... but could also be caused by an issue in the back... how are things going lately? Hope you're well.

[@cinmac3]

Hank how was that helped, what symptoms did you have?

[@Kozwara1]

Thank you so much...johnson

[@Joyful_in_GA]

Watching this helped me figure out what is causing the pain in ny rear. I have a nasty habit of sitting on my right leg while working 9 hrs per day. My right leg definitely rotates out looking like a duck foot. Now the break the habit and do these exercises! Thank you sir!

[@phoenixd9679]

Thank you Dr. Johnson I will mention this to my P.T. the Piriformis name to this new pain repeated 3 times in short time ,from the chronic sciatic pain, this one got me in bed with very little mobility( pain in any position, or standing up) Thank you !

[@youaintslick4208]

I wish you were in Ottawa Canada man, I am seeking help from someone like you.

[@betterworldok3802]

Thank you doctor

[@Tonyjordanusa1]

I have pain right on that dimple in lower back that you mentioned in your video and sciatica. Do you have idea what that is, do you have a video diagnostic for that Dr. Johnson?

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Tony! Thanks for watching. Check out this video I created and let me know if this gives you any clarity. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pojSqIOHlJh2pdE 💪🏻. Dr charlie

[@FrankZen]

I had a weak of difficulty walking... as it healed, the pain lingered in the left buttock. Could that be piriformis?

[@PeterReeves-p2i]

I av pain in my right butt cheek & back of leg it is more painful Wen driving but doesn’t seem to be a problem if im sat watching tv for example? Why is this i did pull my hqmstring cud it be a tendon issue?

[@aadyaameya]

Good explanation and easy self tests. Keep up your good work!

[@drcharliejohnson]

thanks for watching! appreciate the feedback!

[@wathen004]

okay

[@lawrencedc1]

lmao

[@andydavies8763]

Alright

[@LizInTheB]

I knew that when I scrolled down, I'd find someone else who noticed the "okay?", too. :D

[@fosterchild4523]

dude...you stole my line....haha.

[@GeneMoretti]

I'm new to your channel I found you after doing a search on buttocks pain also pain down both legs. Just watched the video and when I did the last test where I stretch the P Muscle it's very tender and painful in that area on both the left and right side. I'm 80 years old and have suffered with buttocks pain on both sides and the pain shoots down both legs down to just before the kneecaps.

[@allagashandlulu]

This was really helpful! So I have been suspecting that i have piriformis syndrome, but when i did the bent leg laying on my side test, firing up that muscle didn't cause any pain. However, when I roll a myofascial ball directly on the muscle that's immediately behind the hip bone (and deep inside the buttock) i get searing pain. what muscle is that?

[@shek9]

Why no answer to this question? I feel I am having the same issue.

[@lesaboo4740]

I think it's the glut medius which in under the max glut. I have same issue. Going to chiropractor today to help figure this out

[@bella1312009]

My Dpt did deep tissue massages

[@Lexii.loo03]

I'm having the same thing as well please if you can, answer the question!

[@ritamartellacci7114]

Yes I hav this pain more in my hip area too I do a lot of pounding on my hip bone with my palm to try to get some kind of relief whole area is tender and the pain never goes away

[@deViant14]

Thanks for this. I've had pain both in the SI joint region and below the buttocks for years and recently had a problem with lifting a heavy object that got me stuck in bed for a couple weeks on heat. I saw an alternate doctor in my PCP office who said SI joint but I thought it was possible I had a problem with my piriformis as well. I regularly move my pelvis forward unconsciously for a little pain relieving crack on the outer hip and cross my right leg and push down for a very loud pop that only sort of feels good. But I tried your tests at the end and all of the pain is definitely near the SI joint and above so it sounds like it's just the SI joint.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Glad you found it helpful! You can also check out my more comprehensive "Better Than An MRI DIY Diagnostic Guide" (free download here -> www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide)

[@patriciawhite1206]

Mine is SI

[@sararichardson737]

Hi Dr., I also have lower back stiffness accompanying what I thought was Piritorment (sic). But you say the two don’t ally. Anyway shortening the peri muscle as advised, much relief. Thank you. Could you suggest an exercise for the stiff lower back . Many thanks.

[@SantoshGupta-ev6ok]

Can u give solution for dish problem

[@jamesgregg6364]

Awesome

[@eoinmurphy210]

Hi,in my case ive got pain in my butt(both sides)wnen sitting,also lying in bed at night,walking is just fine.Id love to hear what you think.Thanks.eoin

[@liezelstander6899]

and still i have no answer if i do have piriformis. i am in awefull pain in my groin area down my leg. coming from the back, but no pain in the back.. kindly advise

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! So, to clarify you have pain "coming from the back" but no pain in the back? Piriformis syndrome will not cause groin pain. Usually groin pain along with buttock/some leg pain (not usually below knee/shin area) AND NOT numbness/tingling is due to a problem within or about the hip joint itself.

[@drcharliejohnson]

At end of day, so long as the issue is not due to something more serious (1% of all cases)- understand that finding the answer is not important. A disc issue, arthritis, piriformis, bursitis, hip issue etc is treated no differently- it all comes down to these 4 steps. 1- Shift pain triggers- Identify motions/activities that are making things worse and temporarily stop/tweak. 2- Scan/assess your body to determine what's moving well vs what isn't. 3- Use movement as medicine- systematically, testing one motion at time, find which motions make you feel same, better, or worse. Do more of that which makes you feel better. And... 4- Reboot the system- gradually get back to life. Make sense? Leg me know if you have any questions. Email me directly at [e-mail]. Hope this helps Dr. Charlie

[@stevewilson2158]

At least he ain't saying," know what I'm sayin'....OK ?

[@elizabethroney2492]

Psoas vs piriformis?!!😮

[@sharyndj7404]

I have suffered with pain for 11 years. Thought it was my knee, my hip, my back, etc. went to doctors, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, etc. No relief. Was an avid walker and enjoyed life. Now I can’t do stairs, walk without limping or get a good night’s sleep. My pain is in the spots you cite as piriformis…I live in Northeast PA…where are you located.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! sorry to hear. Sounds like they've ruled out hip joint problems (they can often cause referred pain to the butt and often cause limping, trouble with stairs, and sleep)? I'm located in southeastern PA- but consult with folks virtually worldwide! Would you be open to me reviewing your case to see even if/how I can help you out? If so, just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply - select a time to chat, then follow instructions to submit details of your specific case. Hang in there! Dr. Charlie PT

[@janetschneider18]

How do I treat my si joint dysfunction

[@davidyoung1570]

Will the figure 4 stretch you did also aggravate hamstring tendinopathy?

[@hooks4nooks]

Hi Dr.. I have pain in the front, and in the back, just below those dimples. And in the front of the hip. Front and back both on the left side. When I do piriformis stretch it relieves the pain in the back. But sometimes the pain in the front goes down my hip and continues down my thigh, and sometimes all the way down my chin, to the top of my foot. So I'm thinking that's disc but because of the disc I'm also experiencing SIJ issues. But I did the exercises on your other video for piriformis strength and it definitely feels better. I think I'm going to stick with it. Thank you for your help. Good job. G

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Diver Down! Thanks for watching. Have you checked out my DIY Diagnostic Guide? Should help you gain some clarity here… www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYGuide

[@badandy8888]

I have pain in different areas of my butt up. Sometimes I have pain in that piriformis area. But sometimes the pain shoots under my butt cheek and it feels horrible. I've already had an MRI to rule out sciatica. This has been going on for a while. I've already been to physical therapy once and it did help. But after a while I started having the pain again. I think I'm going to go back.

[@angelakakaras1997]

This very pleasant young men makes a lot of sense. I wish he worked little bit on his speech. So many oks and rights do distract

[@thomasjack3569]

Good afternoon I’ve been feeling pains in my buttocks for the past few weeks, I just came across this your video today, is there any medication that one could take that could help make the pains go forever this pain is killing 😢

[@drcharliejohnson]

You Tom are the best medication. What makes symptoms worse? Need to begin by doing some detective work to figure out what’s aggravating problem- and then using that insight to create a natural relief plan. No pressure- but are you open to potentially working together to resolve this? If so- just visit www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/apply- select a time to chat and submit your case for review 👍

[@johnmelendez7734]

I was diagnosed with Sacroiliitis, and they prescribed Physical Therapy. When I went to the PT, they did a bunch of tests and they thought it was not Sacriolitis but piriformis syndrome. However after several sessions with the PT, my pain in the buttocks and hip went away, but it moved to my lower back. Basically exactly where you pointed in your video. {Dimples}. Would this change the exercise routines they are prescribing me?

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey John! thanks for watching... So, not necessarily. Meaning, if your symptoms shift/move to a different area- it does not necessarily mean you would need to shift treatment strategy. Now, if the current routine is no longer working- then YES- time to move on and find another solution/motion. Make sense?

[@badandy8888]

Does piriformis syndrome cause lateral hip pain? Sometimes in my butt will burn really bad and other times I feel it in my hip.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! Thanks for watching and commenting. So, Piriformis Syndrome most commonly causes central butt burn/pain WITHOUT presence of back pain- but does not extend far laterally (outer hip). That being said, as you've likely found, it's a murky diagnosis in that most people who find this video, have a variety of symptoms ranging from prior herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica (pain, numbness, tingling), greater trochanteric hip bursitis, hip arthritis, hip labral tears, piriformis syndrome, hamstring tendinopathy, glute tear... and the list goes on. So, good question. Short answer is, it's highly unlikely to be piriformis syndrome if far lateral hip pain is experienced. Most likely another structure (nerve), joint, spine referring. Or could be a combination... Best course of action (so that you don't get caught up in diagnostics) is to determine movements that make you feel better/worse, and use those to calm things down and treat your issue. Make sense? Dr. Charlie

[@shrishchandrapandey801]

Hi Dr Charlie, thanks for the video. In my case the pain started with a sprain in the back that remained for a few days before evolving into pain in buttock and hamstring along with tingling, pain and numbness along the sciatic nerve. I was jumping on a foot tall wall when I experienced the sprain. Now the lower back does not pain and the pain is only in hips, thighs and the calf, occasionally. Also, I am not able to do kick motion and raise the leg beyond 20 degrees. Is this piriformis syndrome or disc bulge issue?

[@puma948]

THEN YOU HAVE STILL BACKPROBLEMS. GO TO CHIROPRACTOR.

[@jboy4023]

All joking aside thank for the lesson. Very useful.

[@dave35atkinson]

My right side has been useless for months since I tweaked my lower back. I get pain in my right hip and thigh after sitting for a while. I have ruled out the si joint by performing stretches. I believe it is my piriformis right side as I cannot pull my right leg into the figure 4 position. Need to give this a go. Wish me luck.

[@drcharliejohnson]

How are things now Dave?!

[@dave35atkinson]

@@drcharliejohnson Hi Doc, its gradually improving day by day. I just need to continue with the stretches. Still a lack of strength in that right side but it will come

[@cmo0429]

For sciatic compression and throbbing pain in the glute, what are some alternatives to piriformis syndrome?

[@anjanaiyer6120]

Disc herniation, SI joint dysfunction

[@bernadettesolomons1870]

Hi doc, I have severe pain in my right butt. An MRI scan shows that I have Osteoporosis in the lower part of my spine. Would these exercises help. Desperate for pain relief. Watching from South Africa

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Bernadette! thanks for watching. Honestly, hard to say... they should be safe with osteoporosis- but may or may not provide relief. these tests are used to tell if you have piriformis syndrome- NOT necessarily as treatment. What have you tried so far Bernadette? Dr. Charlie

[@seabreez2421]

I'm almost positive that it is my piriformis muscle that's causing my pain. The side test didn't trigger it but the one on the back somewhat triggered it. Now I've tried all sorts of exercises and stretches, some do work where I can feel it but others don't. The pain is literally coming from my buttocks. If I put pressure on the side of my buttock cheek I can feel it. I have trouble sitting up and I also have trouble standing up/sitting down. The pain will shoot through my buttock and behind the thigh. I can walk it off but my mobility is still limited. Walking has turned into a limp. I can't lift my leg other than a few inches before I feel it hurt. I'm certain that my piriformis muscle is torn or damaged and that my sciatic nerve is being compressed with cerian movements. The pain is almost like a tingling feeling. Like your foot has been asleep and you try to walk it up. It's that overwhelming sensation, but painful. I'm starting to get sad because I can't run or go to the gym. I can't even do simple things without feeling pain. I feel old even though I'm 22. Like I shouldn't be feeling like this.

[@_dheerajgupta]

Hello brother How are your feeling now? Are you ok? Please update it will help me alot I'm too going through this but not extreme.It will help me if you update about your condition and treatments

[@seabreez2421]

@@_dheerajgupta hey there. My injury still persist, but it's not has bad as it was eight months ago. As of now I am able to run, sit up without having extreme pain. I am able to sit for longer periods of time. I still can't bend at the waist and I can't fully raise my leg when I'm lying down. My limp is pretty much gone. I did go to the doctors and they told me that I had really tight hamstrings or hamstrings that need to be stretched and strengthen in order to get back to normal. So that's what I've been doing, sort of lol. I will say that I am way better and improved so much more than eight months.

[@primitxve8076]

Good morning, I’m 20 and have been dealing with pain on my left buttock and I have a pain my left calf muscle. I was told my sciatic nerve was irritated. Yesterday I went to see a Physical therapist and after performing a few tests. He told me it had to be that my periformis muscle must be inflamed and he recommend I stretch, and sleep with a pillow between my legs. I tried the first stretch and felt nothing at all, I then tried the second stretch with a band but I felt on the work on my right buttock which isn’t the one that hurts. Also my leg pain gets extremely worse when I walk near the cold market area at work.

[@traceymurphy4804]

Can you have both?

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Tracey! What do you mean by can you have both... sciatica and PS?

[@traceymurphy4804]

@@drcharliejohnson yes. I have pain with figure 4 on the left and lower back pain mainly on the right

[@Embole-uk1tl]

Dr. Can the massage chair relieve the pain?

[@k.o.r.e3997]

Stepped into a hole at work. Got a skeletal X-RAY to check for breaks and MRI of my entire femur to check for muscle/connecting parts damage etc. Both came back negative. My pain is there when I sit in back of thigh and outer thigh , sometimes I can't put weight on that leg or do any sudden turns or movements without buckling or shooting pain. I feel a pulsating pain in my groin when I yawn or exhale deeply but I don't have signs of a hernia or I know I'd be in alot more trouble at this point....plus hernias don't send debilitating pain to your outer knee and outer chin area. The pain is mainly behind under the left buttocks , outer hip down the thigh , outer knee , and outer chin area only. Is it possible the nurse practitioners at the workers comp clinic missed something in the MRI or that it didn't even show the area where my piriformis is ? I feel like they are all just trying to brush this under the rug . I don't want a pay out from work nor time off , I just wanna hold my newborn baby boy with confidence that my leg won't give out on me like it already has. No back pain at all even tho I have scoliosis in the upper spine...but no pain at all in my back.....any feed back could help sir. I'm in the works with arguing the insurance adjuster to send me for a second opinion.

[@kristap1016]

Is is more difficult to identify piriformis syndrome when someone has hyper mobile joints? My surgeon and pain doctor both recommend a spinal stimulator implant for my low back pain. Both of them acknowledge they have no reason based on my MRI to explain my leg pain/numbness, spasms and the extreme sciatica like pain. I have one disc that has a mild bulge and some arthritis. I have had multiple facet blocks and nerve blocks. Shots for bursitis. I am in a lot of pain and fed up and frustrated with it. Neither of them or my PT brought up piriformis syndrome or piriformis injections.

[@linreynolds1743]

I believe my pain is coming from the piroformis muscle and sciatic nerve. My pain only happens when it sit and sometimes when I lay down. Goes away immediately when I stand up. Drives me crazy. I get tempory relief when I roll on lacrosse ball and do piriformis stretches. I had to make a stand up computer workstation at my job. Helps with my hip but now my feet are taking a beating for it. I don’t have pain when I do the piriformis stretches though but I think I still have piriformis syndrome. I also have major pain on my sit bone. This is all happening in my left hip only. Also, How do I check for SI joint probs if that could be a problem causing some of my pain?

[@derekp9850]

Hello Lin. My reply isnt going to help you fix your issue, because what you described is almost identical to the way I am. Left hip, when sitting, but ok when laying down. At its worst when driving. Had a stand up desk at work also. Stretches also don't bring on discomfort or pain. I'm wondering if you found anything that helped you in the last few month? Thanks.

[@linreynolds1743]

@@derekp9850 I am the same. Miserable! I have to roll on the lacrosse ball to get temporary relief like right before I get in the car to drive. I also have an egg sitter cushion that helps. But after so long of sitting I have to slide the cushion over to my right and leave a drop off below my left hip to get relief. Sometimes if I’m sitting in a hard chair I will let me left hip hang off the edges of the chair. Instant relief. I guess the pressure is gone and not mashing my piriformis muscle or sciatic nerve. I wish I could have someone shoot maybe a steroid or something into that muscle and see what it does. I will have a party the day this pain is gone!

[@derekp9850]

@@linreynolds1743 Hi Lin. Really sorry to hear that. I feel your pain, literally. I found that if I sit with a Frozen gel pad pressed against it(I use a rolled up towel to support it), I get some good relief. I've also done a few acupuncture sessions, and there is a reduction in how long it takes for the pain to onset when I am driving. I wish you good fortune in your hunt for relief.

[@linreynolds1743]

@@derekp9850 thank you so much. I will try the ice pack. And I don’t think there is an acupuncture place in my town. I wish I could find a doctor that would inject a steroid into it though. Lol

[@BillBahr11]

Another test? Let's say the left butt is painful. Lying on the floor, the left foot is pulled noticeably more to the outside than the right foot. Does this say anything about whether the piriformis is short or long?

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey! Not necessarily. We’re things always like this (even before pain)… or is this just something you’re picking up on since being in pain?

[@BillBahr11]

@@drcharliejohnson ​ @Dr. Charlie Johnson, PT Since pain. Then, I guess, per another, later (long/short) video of yours, it could mean anything...?

[@martmuru]

2:25 - I have that problem. How should I address that? When I try to straighten my left leg, I get a sharp pain in the left side of that area. Thank you!

[@MommaBearsCorner]

this is very painful. and disabling if bad enough.. I taught dancing years and it seems its hurt me many ways. fractured foot and they found many old fractures, and bonus, overstretched... now i have serious spine issues with narrowing of spine. Hard to stand due to the pressure. They say this is also my issue. and of course, overstretched muscles.. exactly... and this is one of the big ones for me. yea, day of major spine surgery i could still do yoga.. lol yea, thats not right! just wrong... lol and touch the floor with palm. yet i cant stand to walk. amazing how they all these muscles and disk come together to do different things. That includes mine being all overstretched.

[@robertblunt9517]

I've been having sciatic nerve pain for years and they keep treating me for just a Attica I think I have fare Pharmacy I had bad trauma to my left hip right at that greater trochanter I guess it's how you say it I can't get anybody to even check for piriformis syndrome

[@djb6313]

I think I’m moving to philly for some personal physio sessions. Nothing wrong with me but dang I want to be treated!

[@aartivedi5539]

I mop my floors.. ND have sat long hours on thebdloor. Cud be that caused it ..will the pain ever go.. How to strengthen

[@merakibeats]

Having the symptoms, but the tests doesn't produce any pain so I'm quite positive. My therapist think it has something to do with a particular muscle in the but. From him I got some practices, but the pain continued. so I'm wondering haha

[@drcharliejohnson]

Have you checked out my DIY Diagnostic Guide? I think you'd find it valuable...> www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/DIYGuide

[@leeallen8840]

Thank you for your video. My butt pain seems to be from the butt bones. Almost like they are damaging the muscle when I sit for a long period. I do spend a lot of time in my car and have done for many years. No back pain at all. I'm 55. Is it just from sitting too long? Anything I can do to relive the pain. I don't piriformis from the tests I have done. Good motion in both hips. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[@clarabartha1737]

Informative. I don't think I have it, it's the lower back that's causing sciatica, per what chiro said and what I feel pressing around.

[@janellvictoriacabbitcreations]

I cant lay flat on my belly, its excruciating.. the muscle in my right glute has been locked up like the worst charley horse imaginable for over a week.. cant sleep, or stand up straight.. sharp stabbing burning pain that wont quit..and gets exponentially worse of a night... I would be beyond grateful for any advice.... thank you :'(

[@nayzerie]

Is there a possibility of overstretching? These stretches definitely hurt. The other day I was doing the figure 4 stretch among other stretches and afterwards putting weight on my affected leg was excruciatingly painful.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Yes! See it everyday. Stretching for most people with this issue = no bueno.

[@chavoworld]

Hi! Thanks for this and all your videos. They are truly helpful. Wondering something… are you saying to never ever do the stretching (leg over knee stretch) and just stick with strengthening? Or can the strengthening and stretching complement one another?

[@meganrutledge3506]

I could not even do the exercies. My leg and lower back hurts so bad. Hurts to move, use restroom cough, can barely walk and not walking standinf up straight.

[@drcharliejohnson]

Hey Meg! Sounds like things are just too acute to test the body using these motions. Do not do them if painful. Find comfort and you’ll need to look for other motions. Do not stretch into pain or stretch the painful leg. Check out my DIY diagnostic guide here if you’d like. 👉www.drcharliejohnsonpt.com/diyguide After checking that out- if you’d like some help- reach out! Stay strong- you got this. 👍🏻

[@waykiwayki]

I have like a sciatica close to middle....close to Piraf.......hard to know what it is....doesn't goto leg. Can't lay on front and do cobra.

[@carissakinder9827]

Are those camo shoes?

[@drcharliejohnson]

They sure are, Carissa! ha

[@TheJakobLott]

When I try that stretch my hip and groin hurt or pinch ...thoughts?