How do you heal a strained piriformis?
Question:I do run, but I strained my left piriformis falling down steps.
What does it take to heal? And then after healing, to strengthen to avoid re-injuring?
Answers:
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What should I do with my varsity letter?
The first question you must answer: Is this a physical injury or tension induced pain?If it is a physical injury then using a foam roller is very effective--painful but effective. You get a foam roller and slowly ( 1 inch every 5 seconds) move the roller from behind your knee up to you buttock. Whenever you reach a spot that is very painful, you hold the roller there for 30 seconds before continuing on.
I can tell you though that most so-called piriformis and sciatica are not a physical injury despite the fact it appeared (pain) during a activity. So, if your pain persist and becomes chronic--3 months or more, then you should investigate tension induced pain...this is where your nervous system will restrict blood flow to muscle and nerve tissue---the lack of oxygen going into the tissue results in a variety of pain sensations (burning, sharp, dull, spasm, soreness, tightness). the casue of all of this is inner tension/stress/anxiety.
Monte Hueftle
monte@runningpain.com
I'M RUNNING THE MlLE TOMORROW!!?
The answers given prior to mine are awesome! I would add in finding a really qualified deep tissue massage therapist, because it is inevitable that no matter how you injured it, you will develop scar tissue.The scar tissue will keep you from full healing, and may promote compensation injuries. I can tell you from personal experience that deep tissue work isn't that relaxing, just incredibly effective.
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