If you're interested in an alterative therapy that can relieve pain, promote healing and support good health, consider Vita Flex Massage. This massage technique is
The psoas is, quite literally, the "filet mignon" of the human body. As your primary hip flexor, the psoas works to help you run, sprint, and even walk—and it is critical to keep this muscle happy. When the psoas is either too short or overstretched, it can throw off your body's mechanics
Kundalini Yoga is a total workout for the body, mind and spirit! There are many forms of yoga which include a connection through breath and movement, body and spirit and a union with the universe, but as one of my teachers would say …. Kundalini Yoga just gets you to your destination faster! “Do you want to putt along in the Toyota or do you want to drive the Ferrari and get the whole experience?” A good Kundalini yoga session will make you feel exhilarated and might even cre
Years ago I developed sciatica as a consequence of a martial arts injury. I had seen a number of doctors who finally diagnosed it as an entrapment syndrome involving the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve. I tried, unsuccessfully, all of the conservative methods to treat it, including physical therapy, massage, manipulation—you name it. Finally, it looked like I would either have to live with the pain or have surgery—for which there was no guarantee of success. As it happened, one day I wandered into a yoga class at the Ann Arbor YMCA. I remember being impressed by how different (and difficult) a yoga class was, even though I was used to hard physical training from playing sports; we were working with the body in ways I had never experienced and using precise movements and muscular engagements I hadn’t seen in other exercise methods. Not only did I feel great after my first class but also, to my surprise, the next day I noticed that my sciatic pain was greatly improved. Putting two and two together, I started going regularly to classes at YMCA (and later, the basement of a church). As long as I went to class, my sciatica no longer bothered me. With this in mind, let’s take a look at piriformis syndrome. Piriformis Syndrome: Piriformis syndrome is characterized by buttock and/or hip pain that may radiate into the leg as a form of sciatica. This syndrome is thought to result from spasm of the piriformis which causes irritation of the sciatic nerve as it passes across (or through) the muscle. Spasm in the piriformis can be precipitated by an athletic injury or other trauma. The mainstay of treatment involves stretching the piriformis and its neighboring external hip rotators, with surgery to release the muscle reserved for recalcitrant cases. Click here to review the anatomy and biomechanics of the piriformis muscle. Tightness or asymmetries in the piriformis muscle can create rotational pelvic imbalances. This, in turn, can lead to imbalances further up the spinal column, through the process of "joint rhythm". Click here to learn more about lumbar pelvic rhythm in our previous blog post on Preventative Strategies for Lower Back Strains. Below in the links is a reference to an article from the Osteopathic literature addressing this subject in relation to the piriformis muscle. Figure 1 is an illustration of the relationship of the sciatic nerve to the piriformis muscle. Approximately 80% of the time the nerve passes anterior to the muscle, exiting below the piriformis. The sciatic nerve can also divide above the muscle, with one branch passing through the piriformis and another branch passing anterior. This variation occurs about 14% of the time. Other variations include the undivided nerve passing through the muscle and the divisions passing both anterior and posterior to the piriformis (without penetrating the muscle). Note that the sciatic nerve can penetrate the muscle without ever causing pain or other symptoms (as is usually the case). Persons with this variation may, however, be predisposed to developing piriformis syndrome from an injury. Various relationships of the sciatic nerve to the piriformis muscle. Diagnosis of piriformis syndrome is accomplished through a careful history and physical examination as well as radiological studies. The physical exam includes the FAIR test (flexion, adduction, internal rotation of the hip). Click here for an example of this test. Note that other causes of sciatica must be excluded before making the final diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. These include a herniated disc causing nerve root compression. Similarly, pathology affecting the hip joint must also be excluded. Accordingly, if you have sciatic type pain, be sure to consult a health care practitioner who is appropriately trained and qualified to diagnose and manage such conditions. To review, when the hip is in a neutral position, the piriformis acts to externally rotate (turn outward), flex and abduct the hip joint. When the hip is flexed beyond about 60 degrees the piriformis becomes an internal rotator and extensor (and remains an abductor). Muscles stretch when we move a joint in the opposite direction of the action of the muscle. Click here for a review of the piriformis muscle, its attachments and action, and the mechanism of Reverse Pigeon Pose (video below). Figures 2-5 illustrate several yoga poses that stretch the piriformis. Parvritta trikonasana and the rotating version of Supta padangustasana lengthen the muscle by adducting and flexing the hip. Similarly, Parsva bakasana and Marichyasana III adduct and flex the hip joint, thus stretching the muscle (which an extensor and abductor when the hip is flexing). Figure 2. Piriformis stretching in supta padangusthasana. Figure 3. Piriformis stretching in Parvritta trikonasana. Figure 4. Piriformis stretching in Marichyasana III. Figure 5. Piriformis stretching in Parsva bakasana. Figure 6. Supported setu bandha - a recovery pose which maintains the piriformis in a relaxed position. Video 1 demonstrates stretching of the piriformis in Reverse Pigeon Pose. This asana stretches the muscle by externally rotating and flexing the hip. Video 2 illustrates the technique for using mysofascial connections to protect the knee joint in this pose. Click here for the details of this technique. Now you're ready to take the Bandha Yoga QuickQuiz for the piriformis muscle! Click here to start. An excerpt from "Yoga Mat Companion 4 - Anatomy for Arm Balances and Inversions". An excerpt from "Yoga Mat Companion 2 - Anatomy for Hip Openers and Forward Bends". Thanks for stopping by. If you would like to learn more about combining modern Western science and yoga, feel free to browse through The Key Muscles and Key Poses of Yoga, as well as the Yoga Mat Companion series by clicking here. Many thanks for your support in sharing us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus! All the Best, Ray Long, MD References: Pokorný D, Jahoda D, Veigl D, Pinskerová V, Sosna A. “Topographic variations of the relationship of the sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle and its relevance to palsy after total hip arthroplasty.” Surg Radiol Anat. 2006 Mar;28(1):88-91. Boyajian-O'Neill LA, McClain RL, Coleman MK, Thomas PP “Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome: an osteopathic approach.” J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2008 Nov;108(11):657-64. Filler AG, Haynes J, Jordan SE, Prager J, Villablanca JP, Farahani K, McBride DQ, Tsuruda JS, Morisoli B, Batzdorf U, Johnson JP. “Sciatica of nondisc origin and piriformis syndrome: diagnosis by magnetic resonance neurography and interventional magnetic resonance imaging with outcome study of resulting treatment.” J Neurosurg Spine. 2005 Feb;2(2):99-115. Rodrigue T, Hardy RW. “Diagnosis and treatment of piriformis syndrome.” Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2001 Apr;12(2):311-9. Papadopoulos EC, Khan SN. “Piriformis syndrome and low back pain: a new classification and review of the literature.” Orthop Clin North Am. 2004 Jan;35(1):65-71.
SPEED UP YOUR RECOVERY AND ENJOY FREEDOM FROM PAIN Now you can recover faster as a result of increased kinesio blood circulation and reduced inflammation! The K
Want to relieve stress with just your hands and feet? Try this ancient custom! Performed on both the hands and feet via finger and thumb massage, Reflexology is an ancient Chinese practice, based on the belief that specific reflex points on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands correspond with every major organ, gland and area of the body.
Kundalini Yoga is a total workout for the body, mind and spirit! There are many forms of yoga which include a connection through breath and movement, body and spirit and a union with the universe, but as one of my teachers would say …. Kundalini Yoga just gets you to your destination faster! “Do you want to putt along in the Toyota or do you want to drive the Ferrari and get the whole experience?” A good Kundalini yoga session will make you feel exhilarated and might even cre
Knee pain can be the result of injury, as well as from mechanical imbalances and other problems. Don't let knee pain hold you back! Discover the best shoes for knee pain with our expert tips and tricks. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to comfort!
This collection of Energy Healing Charts was created for you, a must have for your healing room.
Kundalini Yoga is a total workout for the body, mind and spirit! There are many forms of yoga which include a connection through breath and movement, body and spirit and a union with the universe, but as one of my teachers would say …. Kundalini Yoga just gets you to your destination faster! “Do you want to putt along in the Toyota or do you want to drive the Ferrari and get the whole experience?” A good Kundalini yoga session will make you feel exhilarated and might even cre
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Reflexologists say your soles are a mirror of your body. Here a leading expert gives a step-by-step guide to ways you can use the technique at home.
Essential oils are a powerful tool for maintaining health and wellness in the body, and when it comes to the feet, essential oils have a host of benefits. They can be used to assist a wide range of ailments, particularly when it comes to the feet. Essential oils can provide relief from discomfort or pain, and can provide deep relaxation. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of using essential oils on feet, and discuss the best methods for doing so.
A collection of 10 lavender oil uses and where to buy essential oils online.
Backstory: We wrote and released this song over 11 years ago.. it became and continues to be one of our fans and friends favorites. Recently, B-Still and I were together in Bloomington, Indiana where we met and originally wrote and recorded the song.. and decided to shoot a video for our underground classic. We selected … Continue reading Many Faces Many Names (Official Music Video) →
Acupressure uses certain points on the body to induce healing. These points can be on the hands, feet and ears.
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Vita Flex Technique is an ancient Tibetan methodology that can be used for promoting detoxification. It combines with essential oils synergistically.
Kundalini Yoga is a total workout for the body, mind and spirit! There are many forms of yoga which include a connection through breath and movement, body and spirit and a union with the universe, but as one of my teachers would say …. Kundalini Yoga just gets you to your destination faster! “Do you want to putt along in the Toyota or do you want to drive the Ferrari and get the whole experience?” A good Kundalini yoga session will make you feel exhilarated and might even cre
