Burwood NSW · Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Piriformis syndrome causes deep buttock pain and sciatica-like symptoms — often misdiagnosed as a lumbar disc injury. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment provide rapid, lasting relief.
The piriformis muscle sits deep in the buttock and can compress the sciatic nerve when tight or spasmed. Our physiotherapists identify whether the piriformis is truly the source of your pain and address it directly.
How We Treat This Condition
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Differential Diagnosis
Distinguishing piriformis syndrome from lumbar disc herniation and true sciatica is critical. We conduct thorough assessment including neural tension tests.
Learn more →Manual Therapy
Deep tissue release and joint mobilisation of the hip and sacroiliac joint to address the muscle tension and movement restrictions that drive piriformis syndrome.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Dry needling directly into the piriformis muscle provides rapid, dramatic release of trigger points — often delivering relief within 1–3 sessions.
Learn more →Hip Strengthening
Targeted strengthening of the hip external rotators and gluteal muscles — addressing the root cause of excessive piriformis load and tension.
Learn more →Flexibility Program
Specific piriformis and hip flexor stretching program designed for your body and activity level — reducing recurrence.
Learn more →Posture & Movement
Analysing and correcting sitting posture, running mechanics, and daily movement patterns to prevent recurrence of piriformis syndrome.
Learn more →When to See a Physio for Piriformis Syndrome
See a physiotherapist if you have deep buttock pain that worsens with sitting or stairs, pain radiating down the back of the thigh, or symptoms that haven’t improved with rest and stretching after a week or two.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Full Assessment
Detailed history, movement analysis and clinical tests to identify the root cause of your problem.
Diagnosis & Plan
We explain exactly what is going on and create a realistic, goal-focused treatment timeline.
Hands-On Treatment
Most patients receive treatment in their first session — manual therapy, needling, or exercise prescription.
Home Program
You leave with clear exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery.
Why Choose Burwood Physio?
- AHPRA-registered physiotherapists
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- HICAPS on-site — claim health fund rebate instantly
- Medicare bulk billing with GP CDM plan
- NDIS registered provider
- WorkCover and icare accepted
- Evidence-based treatment — no unnecessary sessions
- 2 minutes walk from Burwood Station
📍 Located in Burwood: Shop 2, 36–38 Victoria St East, Burwood NSW 2134. 2 min from Burwood Station. Open Mon–Sat.
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle tightens or spasms and compresses the sciatic nerve, causing buttock and leg pain.
How is piriformis syndrome different from sciatica?
True sciatica originates from nerve compression in the lumbar spine. Piriformis syndrome mimics sciatica but originates from the buttock muscle directly.
How long does piriformis syndrome take to resolve?
Most cases improve significantly within 4–8 weeks with targeted physiotherapy including dry needling and exercise.
What makes piriformis syndrome worse?
Prolonged sitting, running on cambered roads, and crossing the legs are common aggravating factors.
Does dry needling help piriformis syndrome?
Yes. Dry needling is one of the most effective treatments for piriformis syndrome, providing rapid relief of muscle trigger points.
What causes piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle, deep in the buttock, becomes tight or spasms and irritates the nearby sciatic nerve. Common triggers include prolonged sitting, direct trauma, muscle imbalance, and sudden increases in running or hip-dominant activity.
What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome?
Typical symptoms include deep buttock pain, tenderness over the piriformis muscle, and pain or tingling that can radiate down the back of the thigh — often aggravated by sitting, climbing stairs, or hip rotation.
What treatment does Burwood Physio use for piriformis syndrome?
Treatment typically combines hands-on soft tissue release, dry needling, and a targeted hip and gluteal strengthening program to address the underlying muscle imbalance, alongside guidance on sitting posture and activity modification. See our sciatica treatment page if your symptoms involve significant nerve-related leg pain.
Can piriformis syndrome come back after treatment?
It can if the underlying contributing factors — such as prolonged sitting, poor hip strength, or training load — aren’t addressed. A structured strengthening and movement program significantly reduces the chance of recurrence.
When should I see a physiotherapist for piriformis syndrome?
It’s worth booking an assessment if buttock pain persists beyond a week, worsens with sitting, or is accompanied by tingling or numbness down the leg, so the cause can be confirmed and treated early.
Persistent buttock or leg pain?
Let us accurately diagnose and treat the true source of your pain.