Supine Piriformis Stretch
The supine piriformis stretch is one of the most commonly prescribed positions for suspected piriformis syndrome. It places the piriformis (which crosses from the sacrum to the greater trochanter) on maximal length while keeping the lumbar spine in a neutral, supported position. Patients whose sciatic symptoms reproduce with the FAIR test (flexion-adduction-internal rotation) tend to respond best.
Illustration. Follow the steps for the actual technique.
How to do it
- 1
Lie on your back with both knees bent, feet flat on the floor
Supine start
- 2
Cross your right ankle over your left thigh, just above the knee
Figure-4 the legs
- 3
Reach both hands behind your left thigh, lacing your fingers
Hands behind thigh
- 4
Gently draw the left thigh toward your chest, keeping the right knee falling open
Thigh to chest
- 5
Hold 45 seconds, breathing into the right buttock. Switch sides
Breathe and release
The evidence
The supine piriformis stretch is one of the most commonly prescribed positions for suspected piriformis syndrome. It places the piriformis (which crosses from the sacrum to the greater trochanter) on maximal length while keeping the lumbar spine in a neutral, supported position. Patients whose sciatic symptoms reproduce with the FAIR test (flexion-adduction-internal rotation) tend to respond best.
Citation: Boyajian-O'Neill LA, McClain RL, Coleman MK, Thomas PP (2008). Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome: an osteopathic approach. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association