Do you have deep buttock pain that just won’t quit? Does it shoot down your leg, feel worse after sitting, or mimic sciatica? If so, your piriformis muscle might be the problem—and dry needling could be the solution. At Revolution Rehab in Grand Rapids, MI, we help patients find fast, lasting relief from piriformis pain using targeted, expert-guided dry needling therapy. In this article, we’ll explore what the piriformis does, how it can cause pain, and why dry needling is a game-changer for resolving it.
Understanding the Piriformis Muscle
The piriformis is a small but powerful muscle deep within the buttock. It runs from the sacrum (base of the spine) to the top of the femur (thigh bone), crossing over the sciatic nerve in most people.
Its job? To help with:
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External rotation of the hip
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Abduction of the thigh when the hip is flexed
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Stabilization of the hip joint during movement
But when the piriformis gets tight, spasms, or becomes irritated, it can compress the sciatic nerve. This condition—known as piriformis syndrome—often mimics sciatica and causes radiating pain down the back of the leg.
Common Causes of Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed because it presents like other conditions. Here’s what typically triggers it:
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Overuse or repetitive motion, especially in runners or cyclists
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Prolonged sitting (think desk jobs or long drives)
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Hip or pelvic misalignment
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Direct trauma to the gluteal area
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Muscle imbalances between the core, hips, and glutes
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Tight fascia or trigger points in surrounding structures
While some cases are acute and resolve quickly, many people experience chronic piriformis pain that interferes with daily function.
Diagnosis: Is It Really the Piriformis?
Before treating with dry needling, it’s crucial to confirm that the piriformis is the true pain generator.
At Revolution Rehab, your provider will assess:
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Location and quality of pain
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Nerve tension signs
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Muscle palpation to locate trigger points
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Functional movements (squat, gait, sit-to-stand)
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Rule-out testing for lumbar disc involvement or true sciatica
If the sciatic nerve is being compressed at the level of the spine, dry needling the piriformis may not resolve symptoms. However, if the muscle itself is the source, dry needling offers powerful relief.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a precision therapy where a thin, sterile needle is inserted directly into muscle tissue to release tight bands—known as trigger points.
Unlike acupuncture, which follows meridian theory, dry needling is based on modern anatomical science. It targets areas of dysfunction in the muscle, fascia, and surrounding connective tissue.
For piriformis pain, dry needling:
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Reduces muscle tension
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Improves blood flow
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Deactivates trigger points
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Relieves nerve compression
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Restores movement and function
It’s a mechanical reset that promotes healing and neurological recalibration.
How Dry Needling Treats the Piriformis
When dry needling is used on the piriformis muscle, it helps “reset” abnormal electrical and chemical activity in the muscle. This relaxes tight fibers, restores oxygen flow, and eases pressure on the sciatic nerve.
What to Expect
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You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach or side.
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The therapist will palpate to identify the tightest portion of the piriformis.
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A very fine needle is inserted into the muscle belly.
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You may feel a deep twitch response or dull ache—this is normal and often therapeutic.
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Most sessions take under 20 minutes.
Many patients feel immediate relief after treatment. Others improve within 24 to 72 hours, as inflammation subsides and mobility increases.
Benefits of Dry Needling for Piriformis Syndrome
Dry needling offers both short-term relief and long-term healing potential:
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Rapid pain reduction by calming the nervous system
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Improved range of motion in the hip and pelvis
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Decreased nerve compression, especially for patients with sciatic-like pain
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Less need for medication or invasive treatments
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Better outcomes when paired with physical therapy and corrective exercise
At Revolution Rehab, we don’t use dry needling in isolation. It’s part of an integrated plan that includes movement retraining, manual therapy, and strengthening.
Is Dry Needling Safe?
Yes—when performed by trained professionals like our team at Revolution Rehab. We follow all sterile techniques and safety guidelines.
Common side effects may include:
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Mild soreness at the needled site
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Temporary fatigue or muscle ache
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Small bruise or pinpoint bleeding
Serious complications are extremely rare. Your provider will review your medical history and ensure you’re a good candidate before treatment.
Complementary Treatments at Revolution Rehab
Dry needling is most effective when combined with a full-body plan. At our Grand Rapids clinic, we may also incorporate:
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Manual therapy to release surrounding tight tissue
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Neuromuscular re-education to retrain proper movement patterns
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Corrective exercises targeting glutes, hip rotators, and core
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Cupping or IASTM for superficial fascial release
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Postural alignment training for long-term relief
Your plan is always personalized to your body, goals, and lifestyle.
Self-Care Tips After Dry Needling
To enhance results, we guide our patients to:
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Hydrate well post-session
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Use gentle heat or light stretching to promote circulation
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Avoid heavy workouts for 24 hours
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Perform prescribed rehab exercises consistently
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Monitor symptoms and communicate with your provider
Dry needling may be repeated weekly or biweekly, depending on severity and progress.
End Piriformis Pain for Good
If you’re tired of living with stubborn glute or sciatic pain, dry needling may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. At Revolution Rehab in Grand Rapids, MI, we combine clinical expertise, one-on-one care, and cutting-edge techniques to help you get out of pain—and stay out.
Don’t let piriformis syndrome sideline your life.
Schedule a personalized assessment with our team today and discover how dry needling can help you move freely, sit comfortably, and get back to the things you love.