Piriformis syndrome
Deep buttock pain from an irritated piriformis muscle, sometimes mimicking sciatica.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
The piriformis is a small, deep muscle in the buttock that sits close to the sciatic nerve. When it becomes tight or irritated, it causes a deep buttock ache that can send pain down the back of the leg, which is why it is often mistaken for sciatica coming from the lower back.
Long sitting, driving, and a sudden increase in running or hill work are common triggers. Because the treatment for piriformis syndrome and low back referral is different, working out which one is driving your pain is the most important step.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with piriformis syndrome. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We assess your lower back, hip and piriformis to confirm where the pain is coming from. When the piriformis is the driver, trigger point dry needling and soft tissue release settle the muscle well, and we follow with hip strengthening and simple changes to sitting and training load so it does not keep coming back.
- Back and hip differential assessment
- Trigger point dry needling
- Soft tissue release
- Hip strengthening and load advice
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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Soft tissue release
Skilled hands on work through muscles, tendons and ligaments to ease tension and restore flexibility.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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What you pay, with or without cover
Every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. The fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and if you have Medicare, private health extras or an accepted claim, here is what you pay.
Paying privately
No referral or paperwork needed. Every visit is a full, unhurried session with the time it needs.
With a Medicare plan
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
With private health extras
Claim on the spot through HICAPS. The gap depends on your fund and level of cover. See all health funds
Workers comp & CTP
Accepted workers compensation and CTP claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
Every bar is drawn to the same scale, from $0 to the standard fee. Private health gaps vary with your fund and your level of extras cover.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Is piriformis syndrome the same as sciatica?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Read more on this
Plain English articles from our physiotherapist, written to answer the questions we get asked most.
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about piriformis syndrome, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.