Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in Haddington & East Lothian
(Deep Gluteal Pain / Sciatic Nerve Compression)
If you’re experiencing deep buttock pain, pain down the back of the leg, or discomfort when sitting for long periods, you may be dealing with piriformis syndrome or deep gluteal pain syndrome. This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle becomes tight or irritated and compresses the sciatic nerve.
At County Physio in Haddington, we specialise in identifying the root cause of gluteal and sciatic-type pain and providing effective, hands-on physiotherapy to give long-lasting relief.
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
The piriformis is a deep muscle located in the buttock, underneath the glutes. Its job is to help stabilise the hip and rotate the leg outward.
When this muscle becomes tight, strained, or overactive, it can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that mimics sciatica.
It is often called:
Piriformis syndrome
Deep gluteal pain syndrome (DGPS)
Buttock sciatica
Pelvic outlet sciatic nerve entrapment
This is a common but frequently misdiagnosed cause of buttock and leg pain.
Common Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
You may be experiencing piriformis-related pain if you notice:
Deep pain or aching in the buttock
Pain that radiates down the back of the thigh
Sharp pain when standing up from sitting
Pain after long periods of driving or sitting
Increased pain when walking uphill or climbing stairs
Relief when lying down or walking slowly
Difficulty crossing legs or lifting the knee outward
Tenderness deep in the buttock when pressed
Symptoms often mimic sciatica, but the source is muscular rather than disc-related.
What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome can develop from:
Tightness or weakness in the gluteal muscles
Running or overuse injuries
Sitting for long periods (especially on hard surfaces)
Previous hip, pelvic or lower back injuries
Poor lumbar or hip mobility
Postural habits
Weak core or hip stabilisers
Compensation after an ankle or knee injury
Sometimes it develops suddenly; sometimes gradually.
How Physiotherapy Helps Piriformis Syndrome
Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for piriformis syndrome. We focus on relieving nerve compression, reducing muscle tension, and restoring normal hip and pelvic movement.
Detailed Assessment
We begin by assessing: Hip and pelvis alignment, Gluteal and piriformis muscle tension, Sciatic nerve mobility, Posture and sitting habits, Hip strength and core stability, Walking mechanics and leg control, This confirms whether the piriformis muscle is causing your symptoms or if it's coming from the lower back instead.
Hands-On Treatment
To reduce pain and improve movement, your physiotherapist may use: Deep tissue release of the piriformis, Soft tissue and trigger point therapy, Hip and lower back joint mobilisation, Dry needling (where appropriate), Stretching of glutes, hip rotators and hamstrings, Sciatic nerve gliding techniques, Most people feel improvement within a few sessions.
Targeted Stretching & Mobility Work
You’ll receive specific exercises designed to: Reduce tightness in the piriformis, Improve hip rotation, Release deep gluteal tension, Improve nerve mobility, These exercises are simple, effective and easy to do at home.
Strengthening the Hips and Core
To prevent recurrence, we strengthen: Glute medius and maximus, Deep hip stabilisers, Core and pelvic muscles, Lower limb control (knees and ankles), A strong hip complex reduces overload on the piriformis.
Posture, Sitting & Activity Advice
We’ll help you adjust daily habits that aggravate symptoms, such as: Sitting positions, Car seat adjustments, Training load for runners, Standing posture, Stretch breaks at work, Small changes often make a big difference in comfort.
Piriformis or Sciatica from the Back? How to Tell the Difference
Although symptoms overlap, here’s a quick guide:
Likely Piriformis Syndrome if:
Pain is worse when sitting
Pain is deep in one buttock
Pain improves when lying down
Bending forward is not severely painful
Back movements are mostly comfortable
Likely Disc-Related Sciatica if:
Pain worsens with bending forward
Coughing or sneezing increases pain
Leg pain is more severe than buttock pain
Numbness/tingling extends below the knee
Back pain is also significant
Your physiotherapist will test this during your assessment.
Who Is This Treatment For?
This is ideal if you:
Have deep buttock pain
Feel sciatica-like symptoms without a back injury
Spend long hours sitting (driving, office work)
Run regularly or do repetitive leg movements
Feel tightness around the hips or pelvis
Have recurring glute or lateral hip pain
You do not need a referral — you can book directly.
Why Choose County Physio for Piriformis Syndrome Treatment?
- Experienced physiotherapists specialising in sciatica, hip and gluteal pain
- One-to-one personalised assessment
- Hands-on treatment and targeted rehab
- Friendly, supportive approach
- Convenient Haddington location serving all of East Lothian
- Focus on both short-term relief and long-term prevention
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
Is piriformis syndrome the same as sciatica?
It can cause sciatica-like symptoms, but the root cause is muscular rather than disc-related.
How long does piriformis syndrome take to heal?
Many people see improvement within 2–4 weeks with proper physiotherapy. Chronic cases may take longer but respond well to treatment.
Should I stop exercising?
Not necessarily. You may need to adjust certain activities temporarily, but complete rest rarely helps. A physiotherapist can guide you safely.
Can sitting cause piriformis syndrome?
Yes — long periods of sitting can tighten the glutes and irritate the sciatic nerve.
Is surgery ever needed?
Almost never. Physiotherapy is highly effective and is the first-line treatment.
Book Your Piriformis Syndrome Assessment Today
Don’t let deep glute pain or sciatica-like symptoms continue to affect your work or daily life. With the right assessment and treatment plan, recovery is absolutely possible.
Further Reading on Back Pain
Want to learn more about back pain, its causes, and how to manage it? Explore our latest articles:
- Physiotherapy Exercises for Lower Back Pain
- Sciatica Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Is Your Back Pain Caused by Arthritis, a Slipped Disc, or Posture?
- Morning Back Pain: Why It Happens & How Physiotherapy Helps
- Best Sleeping Positions for Lower Back Pain
- Can Physiotherapy Prevent Back Pain from Returning?
- When Should I See a Physiotherapist for Back Pain?
- Slipped Disc vs Sciatica – What’s the Difference & How Physiotherapy Helps
