How To Get A Deep Piriformis Stretch To Remove Pain In The Back, Hip, Buttocks & Legs

1. Supine Piriformis Stretches

A) Lying stretch

1. Lying on your back, place your hand on the same side of one knee, with the other hand on the raised heel.
2. Gently raise the knee toward your shoulder and cross the calf across your body toward the opposite shoulder.
3. Hold for 5 seconds, then release.
4. Repeat with the other leg. As you get used to this piriformis stretch, extend the holding time of the stretch up to 60 seconds.

B) Similar to A) but without the crossover:

1. Raise one knee and the same-side hand toward the shoulder on the same side.
2. Cross your calf across the body but keep the knee in line with the shoulder on the same side.
3. Hold for 5 seconds, then release and repeat on the other side.

C) For a deeper stretch:

1. While lying on your back, bend both knees and place one ankle over the opposite leg, just above the knee.
2. Raise the bottom leg off the floor toward your chest until you feel the pull in the pelvis.
3. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Slowly release the lower leg back to the floor, straighten the top leg, and switch sides.

2. Standing Piriformis Stretch

This exercise will stretch your piriformis and your glutes. You’ll involve the piriformis muscle as your weight shifts and pelvic balance is engaged. Remember that your glute muscles cover the piriformis, so it’s a good idea to exercise them together rather than trying to isolate one or the other. If doing this piriformis stretch hurts your joints, skip it.

1. Stand with your back against a wall and walk your feet forward 24 inches. Position your knees over your ankles, then lower your hips 45 degrees toward the floor.
2. Lift your right foot off the ground and place the outside of your right ankle on your left knee.
3. Lean forward and lower your chest toward your knees while maintaining a straight back.
4. Stop when you feel a stretch in your glutes.
5. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, then switch legs and do the same.