Cold Laser Therapy for Piriformis Syndrome in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Piriformis Syndrome in Perth

Introduction

Piriformis syndrome is when the piriformis muscle (located deep in the buttock) irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve which leads to buttock pain and sometimes the symptoms radiate into the legs. It may result from overuse, sitting for long periods, trauma, anatomical variation (e.g. sciatic nerve passing through or under the piriformis), or tightness/imbalance in hip/ gluteal muscles. Because symptoms overlap with discogenic sciatica, diagnosis involves tests like the FAIR test, trigger point palpation, and sometimes imaging or nerve conduction if needed.

Common Symptoms

• Deep buttock pain, often aggravated by sitting, driving, or crossing legs
• Pain or tingling radiating down the back of the thigh or calf
• Increased discomfort with hip rotation (internal rotation) or adduction
• Tenderness of piriformis muscle on palpation; may feel tight or have trigger points
• Sometimes reduced range of hip external rotation, limp, or difficulty with certain movements (stairs, squatting)

How Cold Laser Therapy Helps

Cold laser therapy (LLLT) aims to relieve symptoms via several physiological mechanisms:

1. Anti-inflammatory effect: Laser/light energy can reduce inflammatory cytokines and swelling in the muscle and surrounding soft tissues, decreasing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Read research here.

2. Analgesic effect: Through modulation of pain receptors, reduced nerve hyperexcitability and increased endogenous endorphins.

3. Improve circulation and oxygenation: Enhancing blood flow to promote tissue healing, reduce ischemia in tight muscle areas. Read research here.

4. Muscle relaxation: Helping reduce spasm, trigger-point sensitivity, restoring normal muscle tone. Read research here.

5. Neuromodulation: Indirect influence on nerve conduction / sensitivity to reduce radiating symptoms.

Because piriformis is deep, higher penetration wavelengths (near-infrared) and/or higher power (depending on safety) may be more effective. Treatment sessions typically target the muscle belly, piriformis insertion region, possibly the sciatic nerve path.

Integration with Chiropractic, Laser & Other Modalities

Cold laser alone is rarely enough for full recovery. Best outcomes usually come when integrated with:

• Chiropractic adjustments & manual therapy: To address lumbopelvic and hip joint alignment, gluteal soft tissue, sacroiliac joint etc.
• Trigger point therapy / soft tissue work: Massage, myofascial release to reduce piriformis tension.
• Stretching and strengthening: Piriformis stretches, gluteal strengthening, hip rotator conditioning, core stability.
• Postural & ergonomic advice: Sitting posture, driving, workstation setup.
• Activity modification: Avoid aggravating positions, load management.

A combined approach helps reduce irritants, improve structure, and allow laser therapy to be more effective.

Book an Appointment

If you're dealing tingling or aching pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out if piriformis syndrome is behind it. Cold laser therapy may be a helpful part of your recovery.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having any pain, feel free to contact Cold Laser Perth at Lakeside Chiropractic at 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help or visit our website at www.coldlaserperth.com.au for more information.

📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.

References:

1. Lawrence, J., & Sorra, K. (2024). Photobiomodulation as medicine: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for acute tissue injury or sport performance recovery. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 9(4), Article 181. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040181
2. Joniová, J., Bechelli, C., Déglise, S., Allagnat, F., & Wagnières, G. (2025). Stimulating angiogenesis and post-ischemic tissue repair: Optimizing photobiomodulation parameters in vivo. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 269, Article 113202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2025.113202
3. Mahmoud, N. R. R., Shehab, W. I., AlAraby, A. A., & Habaka, Y. F. (2024). Efficacy of different low-level laser therapy sessions in the management of masseter muscle trigger points. BMC Oral Health, 24, Article 1125. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04780-y