Piriformis Syndrome

I was recently diagnosed by a physical therapist with Piriformis syndrome after having months of sciatic and hip pain without any signigicant findings on an x-ray.  I have been going to physical therapy for over 10 weeks, twice a week, and while I am finding some relief, if I go more than three days without having any kind of massage or ultrasound therapy, I am right back to square one with the pain.  I am getting frustrated and concerned that after 10 weeks of PT, there has been little change.  How long should PT take to help this problem and when, if needed,should I begin looking for some other solutions?

[tribeca17]

You would be willing to share your experience with other people  with Piriformis syndrome??

I belong to a support group for piriformis syndrome at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/piriformissyndrome/

Tthe group is running a survey to is to gather patient's experiences with various treatments (medical & alternative) and the long term outcomes of the treatments. Please help us rate the best & worst treatments for Piriformis Syndrome (PS).  Results will be posted at the website in March.

To take the survey, go to

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=mrq5t2Fw1OonnPqfmBTx4Q_3d_3d

Thanks for your help, Tribeca

[newfie77]

I too was diagnosed with sciatica, then piriformis syndrome.  I have had xrays in the past but my problem was diagnosed by a radiologist who was familar with acetabular retroversion.  It has caused my hip joint to degenerate, as well as my iliopsoas tendon.  The iliopsoas muscle is an under diagnosed problem area for people with hip and low back pain.  I would request an MRI of your hip if possible to see if they can see any degeneration if the pain does not go away.  Does your hip pop?  I had my pain for a year before anyone thought to get another xray and MRI.  There is a lot of information on iliopsoas problems online and you can do many of the rehabilitation at home.  I hope this helps.