Yes, and under the right circumstances, it can work great. It's important to get a good certified myofascial triggerpoint therapist - not just a PT who thinks they know what they're doing. The right training and experience make all the difference. Of course I can't make any promises; I'm not a doctor, and I don't know your particulars, but if your symptoms are caused by the piriformis muscle being in spasm, myofascial release may release that spasm and ease the pressure on the nerves. It may work for a long time, or temporarily (a few days) but the therapist should be able to show you how to help yourself if/when it happens again. It will hurt like cuss when they're doing it, and be sore afterward, and it will involve some stretching, but if it works (and IMO it's definitely worth a try) it'll be worth it.

http://www.myofascialtherapy.org/

Doc

Darn it. There is not a single one in my state listed on that website. x-(

Welcome to Neuro Talk. You have found a site that should help you to find some answers about this condition. This is the first time I have heard of piriformis syndrome. I will look it up however. There will be others that know alot more about it that I do. You will find help and compassion here, and a few new friends. Feel free to explore all the forums and join in any conversation you want to. I hope someone will help you out soon with your questions. ginnie

Dr. Russ Schierling in Mountain View, Missouri can treat PS in a non-surgical treatment. Please do yourself a favor and contact him to see if he can help you. Here's his website:

destroychronicpain.wordpress.com

I don't know what the particulars are with that organization. My therapist is a listed member, but she was not always listed, so it may be possible that there are certified therapists in your state who don't belong to that organization, or for some reason aren't listed. ($?)

You might try phone directories, Google: myofascial trigger point therapist [your state] and ask the physiatrist who mentioned it (she may know one, or have her staff find one for you).

Doc

Yep, the physiatrist referred me to PT for myofascial release and had me download an iPhone app called Trigger Point that I can play with at home if I want. She's also sending me for pool therapy and core strengthening. She thinks that most of my pain is related to myofascial muscle spasm, though.

Happy Valentines day, and welcome to Neruo Talk. You will find alot of people who will address some of your medical issues. I am sorry that pain has brought you here, but you found a good group of caring individuals. I wanted to stop in and Welcome you here. I hope you get lots of replies and some good information. ginnie

That's actually (IMO) good news - very good news relative to what else it could be!

Here's hoping it works as well for you as it does for us!
(You know where to find us for support. )

Doc

Please ** look for Piriformis syndrome Dr. Arron Filler. You will get to his informative video that explains and show options for this syndrome.
For your information that you really need. Best wishes

I live in Milwaukee, WI and have been through everything you have tried -

First of all I have found that walking slowly on a mini tramp with socks only - start off with as many minutes as you can tolerate, only walk do not bounce or run - you will know within minutes if it is your piriformis that is the problem because it will pull/hurt like hell -

I am a life long athlete and exercise is both my daily saviour and my daily curse.

After 20 years of trouble from 9 major spinal surgeries being fused from head to toe with only two moveable levels left in my spine - I can tell you sometimes the simplest technique - something you don't even want to try turns out to help the most.

I also would like to point out that anytime you have a disc bulge - MRI's don't show if nerves are being impinged - or pressed etc....there are tons of nerves that branch out from the spinal cord - and your MRI results could be causing lots of pain from nerve impingement that is very difficult to see unless you have a myleogram which you don't ever want to do in my opinion having had 4 of them -

Try the mini tramp thing - make the investment - can't hurt - also meditation - now don't immediately roll your eyes - I used to think meditation was for "those types of people" not me - however - now I practice it daily and it has awesome results not only in terms of pain but all daily life situations....you become calmer - more at peace during situations that usually stress you out - you react slower with more thought - totally amazing...but difficult to learn and master - stick with it -

I see Advanced pain Management in Greendale WI - you may want to see them and see if they can offer you any other alternatives.

kelli