Piriformis Syndrome: the hidden cause of buttock pain, tingling and ‘dead‑leg’ sensations

Piriformis Syndrome: the hidden cause of buttock pain, tingling and ‘dead‑leg’ sensations

If you spend your commute perched on a train seat, work long hours at a desk or cycle for fitness, you may already know the burning, pins‑and‑needles feeling that shoots from the hip down the back of the leg. Many people call it “sciatica”, but in up to one third of cases the true culprit is Piriformis Syndrome – irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve by a tight or inflamed piriformis muscle deep in the buttock.

What exactly is the piriformis?

A small but powerful rotator that stabilises your hip joint and keeps your pelvis aligned. When it becomes shortened, over‑worked or injured, it can press on the nerve bundle that supplies the entire leg. Because the nerve splits into the tibial and common peroneal branches, symptoms may appear anywhere from the lower back to the foot.

Common signs to look out for

• Dull ache or sharp pain deep in the buttock

• Numbness, tingling or “electric” shocks down the back or side of the thigh

• Discomfort after prolonged sitting, driving or climbing stairs

• Relief when you stand up and walk for a few minutes

• 
  

Why does it happen?

1. Poor sitting posture or wallet‑in‑back‑pocket habit

2. Repetitive sports – running, rowing, cycling

3. Previous hip, SI‑joint or lumbar injuries

4. Anatomical variation – in roughly 11 % of people the sciatic nerve runs through the muscle itself, making it more vulnerable

Concern	Our most appropriate in‑clinic option
Acute inflammation & shooting pain	Shockwave Therapy – fast, non‑invasive pressure‑wave technology that calms irritated tissue and accelerates healing
Tight, over‑active piriformis & surrounding fascia	Therapeutic Corrective Massage – targeted release of the deep rotators to take pressure off the nerve
Persistent swelling & heavy legs	Manual Lymphatic Massage – promotes fluid drainage and reduces nerve irritation
Weak glutes/core & poor posture	Custom Corrective Exercise & Physio Coaching – restore balance so the problem stays away
Episodic nerve pain	Electro‑therapy (TENS/IFC) – safe modulation of pain signals for extra relief

💡 Most guests see measurable improvement within three sessions when shockwave therapy is paired with corrective massage and a simple home stretch routine. Self‑help between visits

• Figure‑4 stretch – 30 s each side, 3 × daily

• Hip bridge with resistance band – wakes up sleepy glutes

• Ice‑then‑heat contrast for 10 min each to calm acute flares

• Keep wallets, phones and baby seats out of your back pocket!

  
  

Ready to feel your legs again?

Book your initial consultation online at JJTHERAPY365.com or send us a WhatsApp message on 07882 943 540. We’ll assess your movement, pinpoint the root cause and start hands‑on care straight away. Because life is too short to sit on a numb leg.