PACT Physio & Rehab
PACT Physio & Rehab / Injuries we treat / Piriformis syndrome

Piriformis syndrome

Deep buttock pain from an irritated piriformis muscle, sometimes mimicking sciatica.

By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026

Book an assessment Call (02) 8330 6776
The condition

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

Signs and symptoms

Everyone is different, but these are common with piriformis syndrome. You may have some and not others.

Deep ache in one buttockWorse with long sitting or drivingPain that can run down the back of the thighTenderness deep in the buttockDiscomfort walking up hills or stairsRelief with changing position
Treatment

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
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Physiotherapy for Piriformis syndrome at PACT Physio & Rehab in Miranda, NSW
Treatment options

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 | PACT Physio Miranda

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 | PACT Physio Miranda

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 | PACT Physio Miranda

Exercise and rehabilitation

Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.

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Fees and rebates

What you will actually pay

The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.

Full fee, no cover
Initial · 60 min $165
Follow up · 40 min $142

Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.

$165
$142
Initial
Follow up
With a Medicare plan
Initial $103.20
Follow up $80.20

A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.

$103.20
$80.20
Initial
Follow up
With private health extras
Initial $60 to $100
Follow up $40 to $80

The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.

$60 to $100
$40 to $80
Initial
Follow up
Workers comp & CTP
No out of pocket
Initial $0
Follow up $0

Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.

$0
$0
Initial
Follow up

The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.

See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.

Related injuries

Other problems we help with

Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.

Sciatica Hip and gluteal tendon pain Sacroiliac joint pain Lower back pain All injuries we treat →
Frequently asked questions

Good to know before you book

Is piriformis syndrome the same as sciatica?
They can feel similar, but they are different problems. Sciatica usually starts in the lower back, while piriformis syndrome irritates the nerve deep in the buttock. We assess both areas to find the real driver, because the treatment differs.
How much will it cost?
Initial physiotherapy is $165 for 60 minutes and follow ups are $142 for 40 minutes. Approved workers comp and CTP appointments are billed directly to the insurer.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to book privately. Referrals are required for Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans and most claim pathways.
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Many problems can be assessed and guided well by telehealth through PACT Virtual Care, with hands on treatment added at the Miranda clinic when it helps.

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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Get on top of piriformis syndrome

Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.

Book online Call (02) 8330 6776
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