These Piriformis Stretches Are Hurting You (Why and what to do instead)

Stop repeating these piriformis stretches to get relief from piriformis syndrome. They're not helping and will cause more pain. To properly release the piriformis muscle I recommend the release techniques here:
https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/pir...

The Piriformis stretches can actually irritate the piriformis muscle even more, especially when the glutes are weak and if the spine or pelvis are out of alignment (due to lower back muscle tightness):

1. Seated or lying glute stretches (pulling your knee to chest or across your body) may put the piriformis into an over-lengthened position. This irritates the piriformis more.

2. Toe touches or forward folds increase spinal flexion, which can compress the lumbar discs and aggravate nerve pain. Especially if you already have a disc issue.

3. Pigeon pose, a very common hip stretch for piriformis pain, can over-stress the hip joint and aggravate spasms in the piriformis muscle due to its intensity. It can also cause glute weakness from over-lengthening.

See Programs Below:
▶ Piriformis syndrome won't go away? Click here: https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/pir...
▶ Quick piriformis syndrome release mini course: https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/pir...
▶ Release your hips here: https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/hip...
▶ Back Pain or sciatica? Click here: https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/joi...
▶ Fix your deep core here: https://www.coachsofiafitness.com/core

✮CHANNEL INFORMATION
Coach Sofia is a Certified Strength Coach & NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist. Coach Sofia is the head Coach at CSF Back Recovery Inc. where we help women and men fix lower back pain, piriformis syndrome, and muscle pain through corrective strengthening exercises, gentle stretching routines and helpful daily management tips. Sofia went through a long pain journey herself after being diagnosed in 2011 with piriformis syndrome, an L5/S1 herniation, and ankylosing spondylitis. She shares everything that helped her heal and regain her life on her blog and this channel.
*See National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) credential: https://scq.io/0MVjquS


✮FITNESS AND HEALTH DISCLAIMER
Before acting on any information, exercise routine, or nutrition advice on this channel or blog, you should consult your physician first. If you have a medical condition, including physical injuries, and/or your physician advises against it, do not engage in any exercise routine or training advice on coach sofia fitness channel or site.

All information, workouts, and nutrition information are not intended to substitute medical and/or health advice or to treat an illness or health condition.