Piriformis Syndrome Treatment by Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists and other manual therapists recognise piriformis syndrome as a cause of buttock and leg pain which sometimes simulates sciatic symptoms. The piriformis muscle is very close to the sciatic nerve as it traverses the buttock and nerve compression or irritation have been put forward as reasons for the pain. Piriformis syndrome is not recognised universally outside physiotherapy and other therapy professions but the diagnosis is gaining credence.

The piriformis muscle is flat and small, lying in the centre of the buttock, taking its origin from the sacral area and inserting on to the top of the greater trochanter of the thigh, the bony prominence easily felt on the side of the leg below the hip. It either turns the leg outwards or moves the thigh away from the body, depending on the position of the hip. The sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle vary in their structure and position in the buttock. Typically the muscle lies behind the nerve but in some cases the piriformis is divided into two parts with the sciatic nerve passing between them.

There are no clear causative factors for piriformis syndrome which seems to accompany other lumbar or pelvic pains. Direct trauma to the area can cause bleeding and scarring around the nerve and the muscles, with consistent pressure to the buttock perhaps affecting the nerve's function. The syndrome can also be associated with an increased lordotic posture, hip replacement or vigorous activity and mimics back pain syndromes such as sciatica. Physiotherapists diagnose and treat piriformis syndrome on purely clinical grounds as there are no agreed diagnostic criteria, imaging or other tests.

Piriformis syndrome is often not considered as a cause of low back and leg pain but can mimic sciatic nerve compression, giving symptoms similar to back pain with L5 or S1 nerve compression from disc or joint changes. Cases of trochanteric bursitis may be connected to this syndrome as the muscle inserts onto the trochanter. Physio clinical examination will find intense pain over the piriformis trigger point in the buttock, reduced lateral rotation of the hip, pain and weakness on resisted hip abduction and lateral rotation and a difficulty sitting on the affected buttock.

Physiotherapists use many treatment modalities to improve piriformis symptoms but partly due to the lack of a clear diagnosis there is no agreed scientific treatment approach. Physios check the findings such as tightness in the piriformis, hip external rotator and adductor muscles, hip abductor weakness, sacro-iliac and lumbar dysfunction, externally rotated hip in walking, apparent leg shortening and a shorter stride length.

If the physiotherapist finds that the piriformis and other muscles are tight then treatment consists of loosening up the hip joint followed by stretches of the muscle. Stretching the muscle is performed in lying with the hip flexed, pulling the hip into adduction and internal rotation. A home stretching programme is important, with regular stretching every two or three hours in the acute phase. If the piriformis is looser than expected the Physio may exercise the muscle to tighten it up and stretch out the tight structures which oppose this tendency.

Local manipulation is a common treatment directly over the most painful point in the buttock, which can be very tender indeed. Transverse or longitudinal mobilisations over the muscle is the technique used, maintaining the pressure steadily for up to 10 minutes initially. Treatment of the back and sacro-iliac joints is important to address any dysfunction which might contribute. Modifying posture and activity, muscle injections, mobilisations and stretching are commonly successful in reducing symptoms. In resistant cases surgery to the muscle or the tendon at the greater trochanter may be contemplated.

Physical Therapy, Pain Medications or Surgery - What Would You Choose?

You have power. The power of choice. The power to heal.

No Prescription Necessary

Did you know that in most states, including North Carolina, you can see a physical therapist directly, with out a referral from a physician? Did you also know that physical therapy is a great alternative to pain medications?

Eliminating Pain without Medication

Many types of pain and inflammation can be reduced with the help of a physical therapist, including low back pain, neck pain, bursitis, sciatica, arthritis, tennis elbow, and knee pain.

If you are at risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association encourages seeing a physical therapist for the initial treatment of pain resulting from tendinitis/bursitis, degenerative joint problems (osteoarthritis), and inflammatory joint problems (rheumatoid arthritis), rather than prescription pain medication. Physical therapists are a great alternative to medication and surgery for musculoskeletal pain. Research shows individuals who receive active physical therapy experience greater improvements in function and decreased pain intensity.

Lower back pain affects up to 80 percent of Americans during their lifetime. Physical therapy that mobilizes the spine along with specific exercises can help alleviate the pain and can have long-lasting effects. In one study manual physical therapy helped 92% of patients with lower back pain. The best thing you can do if you have pain is to continue with all your normal daily activities, work and exercise.

Please be sure not to push or exercise through any sharp or shooting pain. I have posted some videos on YouTube that may help you, especially if you need relief from low back pain.

No matter what part of your body hurts, neck, back, knee, hip, shoulder, arms, hands or head, you can alleviate or manage pain without costly medication or other invasive methods such as surgery.

Finding a Physical Therapist

In many states, including North Carolina, you can see your physical therapist directly, without a referral from your physician. This is called Direct Access, and allows you to seek treatment for your condition today, get better faster, spend less money, feel great and return to the activities you enjoy.

Physical Therapists are licensed by the state in which they practice and have completed extensive and specialized, post graduate level, accredited physical therapist education programs. They are trained in identifying red flags (signs that your condition is not appropriate for physical therapy) and know when to refer you to the appropriate health care practitioner or physician. When you visit your physical therapist, you will experience the care of a trusted health professional that uses research and proven treatments to help you regain independence and a better quality of life.

For more information on how physical therapy can help you reduce pain, avoid surgery and feel great please visit our website. When you call the physical therapy practice of your choice, ask if they provide hands-on manual physical therapy.

Pueraria Mirifica Facts

Pueraria Mirifica is a plant that helps to increase the size and volume of the breasts naturally and without side effects and leaves them firm and beautiful. Pueraria Mirifica increases the speed of development of mammary cells and fills the ducts around the nipple. It also increases the firmness of fatty tissue and ligaments around the breasts resulting in fuller and firmer breasts. These tissues are responsible for breast firmness and muscle tonality. The results obtained with this herb vary from person to person depending on individual physiological conditions and genetic backgrounds.

There are some cases in which people have been able to have an increase of 2.5 cms in breast size by using this herb. People who have bigger breasts get faster results. People with smaller breasts react to the herb more slowly and need more time to reach the desired size.

This can be used by people of any age. At low doses no significant effect on breast enlargement is seen. The intake of this herb increases the sensitivity of the breast tissues within 24 hours of first dose. The process of breast enlargement continues for a while even after stopping consumption. If you continue to take regular doses even after the breasts have achieve the maximum possible size, the breast muscles would start getting toned up and the shape of the breasts would improve. The recommended dosage is 800 to 1200 mg per day. These are available in the market in the form of capsules and 1 capsule 3 times per day for 3 months can give you around 2cms of breast tissue growth.

Maintenance of female hormones and control of PMS and Menopause

This magic herb contains an element called puerarin miroesterol. This has the capability of influencing hypothalamus secretions and regulating the hormones responsible for ageing. Research reveals that this element is 1000 times stronger than the soy isoflavones. Pueraria mirifica is suitable for those with mental stress, suffering from menopausal symptoms, those with alopaecea, osteoporosis and sexual problems. Since this herb is full of essential nutrients, it is also beneficial for boosting up the immune system. Some disease symptoms such as nerve irritation, dizziness, skin blemishes, wrinkles, puffy face, muscle aches, palpitations, back cat, bent hip, hip pain, colds, crooked leg (type O) and knee-joint pain can be treated using this herb.

However, you should keep in mind that Pueraria mirifica is a very strong herb and if you don't use it under medical supervision, you might end up harming yourself also.

Non-Surgical Knee Pain Relief With Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy or LLLT, is an alternative, non-surgical method of treatment that has existed since the late 1960s. Cold laser therapy was being utilized in Europe and Asia for decades before the FDA finally cleared the first cold laser in the United States in 2001. Since that time there have been hundreds of clinical studies that support the efficacy of cold laser therapy for knee pain relief. It is a great option for those searching for alternatives to conventional methods that might have failed them in the past.

Which Types of Knee Conditions Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Relieve?

A cold laser is a non-surgical treatment tool used by a licensed physician to help relieve knee pain caused from a knee injury, degeneration, arthritis knee pain, baker's cysts, meniscus tears, bursitis of the knee, tendonitis of the knee, chondromalacia patella, and failed knee surgery. Individuals who suffer from chronic knee pain can benefit tremendously from treatments. The therapy is unique in that it enables patients to experience knee pain relief without knee surgery, medications or knee injections. Unlike pain medications and knee injections cold laser therapy treatments are considered non-invasive,do not cause any harmful side effects, and are completely painless.

What Other Conditions Are Treated With Laser Therapy?

In addition to relieving knee pain and inflammation the treatment can be used by physicians for treating a myriad of other musculoskeletal conditions. The treatments have also proven to be effective for neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain and arthritis pain. Researchers are also investigating the possibilities of cold lasers being used to heal broken bones more quickly, to help regenerate the nerves in injured spinal cords and to help regenerate new skin in burn victims.

How Does The Treatment Work?

Cold laser therapy treatments work by using highly focused, specific wavelengths of light to target the area of injury. The light penetrates deeply into the tissue in the form of non-thermal light photons. This light helps stimulate and excite damaged and injured cells' mitochondria. The mitochondria is considered the 'powerhouse' of the cell. By exciting the mitochondria the metabolic rate of the cell improves thereby healing and repairing the tissue at a faster rate. In addition, to relieving knee pain, treatments have also been shown to improve tissue growth, cell communication, and cell nutrition. As a result of cellular excitation, lasers also accelerate lymphatic activity which ultimately helps reduce edema or swelling in and around the knee joint. Additionally, the therapy aids in achieving an increase in blood flow and in the formation of new capillaries in and around the knee joint.

How Many Knee Treatments Does it Take to Experience Relief?

The exact number of treatments depends on the duration and severity of the pain. In addition, an examination, an x-ray or MRI evaluation of the knee joint must be performed and taken into account in order to help determine an accurate treatment plan. The good news is that the effects are cumulative and improve with each treatment. It usually takes a series of 10 to 30 treatments for knee pain sufferers to get the most beneficial results; however, in many acute cases the relief can be immediate. Moreover, it is important to continue the treatments until the doctor has indicated that the therapy is complete.

Contraindications to Therapy...

While the FDA has classified cold lasers as "non-significant risk" devices, the treatments are not appropriate for individuals who are pregnant, or who observe the presence of potentially cancerous skin lesions near the site of the knee injury. This knee treatment is also contraindicated for individuals who take medications that result in photosensitivity.

The Most Important Step...Choosing The Right Knee Pain Relief Doctor...

Finally, choosing the right doctor that specializes in cold laser therapy for knee pain is as important as the treatment itself. Any health care professional with a license can own a cold laser, but in order to get the best results find a doctor who only treats the knee joint and who has devoted their practice to using this type of therapy. If you choose wisely, you will have a greater chance of achieving knee pain relief and ultimately avoiding knee surgery.

All rights reserved Copyright 穢 2011 Dr.Schnee,D.C.,PA

Treating Gout - 10 Tips For Pain Relief

When you wake up at 2 am with unbearable pain in your big toe - or elsewhere - you need quick pain relief! If you are prone to gout attacks or have a history of gout in your family, be prepared and learn about treating gout proactively - stop eating the high purine foods that increase the uric acid in your blood which can eventually lead to a gout attack. Here are some tips to help you get through a gout attack and to help prevent a reoccurence:

1. Have a kit handy which includes the items you need for a gout pain attack. Chances are, you won't be able to run to the pharmacy in the middle of the night, even if you could walk on your foot or, horrors, put on your shoes and socks! If you keep your supplies somewhere handy in a box or bag, you will always be prepared when a gout attack occurs.


2. First step - spray the affected joint with a deep penetrating pain spray, such as STOPAIN, which is readily available at most pharmacies;


3. No STOPAIN? A lot of people are saying they get quick relief by spraying WD-40 on the painful joint. I don't know what's in WD-40 that would stop the pain, but since it's a penetrating oil, it would get to the affected joint quickly;


4. Take some TYLENOL or other over-the-counter pain reliever; however, don't take aspirin, it just makes matters worse;


5. If you have a bathtub, soak in a warm bath in which you have dissolved 2 handfuls of EPSOM SALTS and one handful of ROCK SALT. Some people have reported success by also adding some APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. If you don't have a bathtub, you can soak in a bucket or other large container;


6. Drink a LOT of WATER to start flushing the monosodium urate crystals from the affected joint and the uric acid from your body. If you don't have high blood pressure or aren't on a sodium restricted diet, drink a glass of water in which you have dissolved 1/2 teaspoon of BAKING SODA a couple of times a day;


7. CHERRIES are very good for gout pain. Eat 1/2 pound of fresh or canned (unsweetened) dark, red cherries each day. They aid your circulation and reduce inflammation. If you prefer, you can drink 100% natural cherry juice (no sugar), concentrated cherry juice which you dilute (no sugar), or buy Cherry Extract. If you don't like cherries, blueberries would be the second choice;


8. Don't drink alcohol, coffee, tea, soda, or any other drinks that contain caffeine. Do drink a tea made from BURDOCK ROOT, or take BURDOCK CAPSULES;


9. Take HAWTHORN BERRY supplements. They will reduce the inflammation and increase your circulation also. Other helpful herbs are ADDER'S TONGUE and DEVIL'S CLAW;


10. Each day take 1000 mg of VITAMIN C, 250 mg of VITAMIN E, B COMPLEX, BETA CAROTENE, and FISH capsules. It's also a good idea to always take a MULTI-VITAMIN each day.

There you have it! Ten steps you can take now and/or when a gout attack occurs. Read below for more information and a FREE mini-course.

Jaw Exercises For TMJ - Find Relief For Your TMJ Pain

TMJ is one of the most difficult conditions to deal with as it has no known causes or treatments. If you think you have TMJ, which is a condition that affects the joints of the jaw, then you need to work with your doctor and a TMJ specialist to try and find a way to manage the symptoms while looking for an underlying cause to the disorder. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ are swelling and tightness of the affected joint, pain, an "off" bite, dislocation of the jaw joint and others. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the first thing you should do is talk with your doctor to see if there is something else going on that could be causing the TMJ and find a way to treat the underlying condition. If there isn't one, then you should meet with a specialist to try and find a way to treat your specific case and prevent the symptoms from coming back.

Of the treatments available are jaw exercises, which are supposed to strength your jaw and help to avoid the symptoms from coming back. You can press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and open your mouth as wide as you can while breathing deeply. This should help to strengthen your jaw to prevent the symptoms from coming back. You can also press one finger against each of your jaw joints carefully while moving your jaw open and closed. This can help to relocate your jaw to where it should naturally be and relieve the pain and pressure associated with the dislocation and the strain it causes on the jaw.

If you are experiencing the pain and discomfort of TMJ symptoms, you should consider using these jaw exercises for TMJ to help relieve them. TMJ is a difficult condition to deal with, but with the right treatment and a plan of action in place to help prevent the symptoms of TMJ in the first place. You can find relief with the right plan and a good doctor.

MSG and Its Effect on Joint Pain

This article will discuss about MSG and its effect to joint pain. This is based on a friend that was having joint problems. Her condition is mentioned below.

She was having rheumatic symptoms, inflammation (which moved around the body), gout symptoms in her feet. They were intermittent attacks, which could be pretty incapacitating for 3 weeks at a time.

In my opinion based on some experience, when we were having severe joint problems - joints would lock up and there would be shooting pains that were almost unbearable - it could be because of MSG. You would not believe the foods that you can find MSG in. Sometimes it is even hidden and listed as "natural spices". The trick is to avoid any foods that you have not cooked yourself, so you can ensure that nothing has been added. Usually after eating MSG, it would take about 2 days for the symptoms to show up.

Moreover, my friend also said that she did not have any intake of MSG, as for some time then she had been unable to buy or eat any product which has a list of additives in the ingredients, even though such products usually would make her itch.

Then her joint problems might be because of mercury detoxifier, but the feet pain was connected with sulfur in foods, so she could not have eggs. But then again, this was also because of the mercury. So the main causative agent is mercury. All she has to do is to draw mercury out of her body.