Piriformis Syndrome: A Modern Guide to Deep Glute Pain and Lasting Relief
If you’re experiencing deep buttock pain, leg tightness, or sciatica-like symptoms—but imaging shows no spinal issues—you might be dealing with Piriformis Syndrome. This condition affects both athletes and sedentary individuals, and is often misdiagnosed or treated with generic stretching that misses the root cause.
At Core Performance Centre in North York, our approach is grounded in biomechanics, functional joint health, and long-term tissue resilience. Using principles from Functional Range Systems (FRS) and strength & conditioning science, we help clients restore function—not just reduce symptoms.
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, a small but important external rotator in the hip, compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. This leads to pain that may radiate down the leg, mimicking sciatica — but the source is muscular, not spinal.
Rather than viewing it as just a “tight” muscle, we see Piriformis Syndrome as a breakdown in load distribution — often from poor joint control, movement variability, or compensatory tension.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
Deep, aching glute pain (often one-sided)
Radiating pain or tingling down the back of the leg
Increased discomfort when sitting for long periods
Pain during hip rotation or crossing the legs
Tenderness in the buttock region
Relief when lying flat or walking
Who’s Affected?
Athletes
Athletes may develop Piriformis Syndrome due to:
Repetitive hip loading without sufficient joint control
Poor glute activation or pelvic stability
Lack of rotational capacity at the hip
Compensations from previous injuries or mobility restrictions
Sedentary Individuals
In less active people, contributing factors include:
Prolonged sitting and compression
Weak gluteals and tight hip flexors
Limited joint movement or postural variability
Passive loading of tissues not built for long-term tension
In both groups, the piriformis ends up doing more work than it should, often to compensate for poor control elsewhere in the system.
Treatment Approach: Restore Function, Not Just Flexibility
At Core Performance Centre, we don’t rely on temporary fixes like passive stretching or foam rolling. Instead, we take a joint-focused, capacity-building approach that addresses the root cause of overload.
Our treatment principles include:
Assessing hip rotation, core control, and joint workspace
Improving load distribution through controlled movement
Building tissue capacity in the ranges that are most vulnerable
Reinforcing trunk and pelvic control to reduce unnecessary tension
Helping clients re-integrate these improvements into daily or athletic movements
The goal is not just pain relief, but long-term resilience.
Why Strength and Control Matter
When the hips or trunk lack control, energy leaks occur — and the piriformis often absorbs the overload. This can shift stress to passive spinal segments and peripheral joints, increasing the risk of chronic injury over time.
By restoring joint integrity and movement quality, we reduce compensatory tension and help the body move more efficiently under real-world demands.
Final Thoughts
Piriformis Syndrome is a sign that your body’s movement strategy isn’t working efficiently. Whether you’re an athlete dealing with hip tightness or a desk worker struggling with sitting pain, the key isn’t more stretching — it’s improving how your body distributes load.
At Core Performance Centre, we help clients:
Identify where the system is breaking down
Restore joint control and tissue integrity
Build resilience so pain doesn’t return
Book your movement assessment today and let’s get to the root of your pain.
