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Piriformis Stretch Test


Piriformis Stretch Test is used to determine if the Piriformis muscle is compressing (entrapping) the sciatic nerve against the greater sciatic notch.

Piriformis Stretch Test (for the right side):

Patient Position:  supine (lying face up), flat on back

  • Bend the right hip to 90 degrees
  • Place the left hand on the right knee and continue to bend (flex) the right hip as you bring the right knee towards the left hip, e.g., cross pattern flexion. 
  • The black arrow in the photograph below points to where the stretch must be felt.  If not, repeat this test until the stretch is felt, as indicated by the arrow.
  • While performing this test, it is important that:
    • the left leg is maintained in full extension
    • the back is kept flat on the floor

Interpretation of Results:

If the right sciatic pain is reduced while running this test, the right Piriformis muscle is in spasm and is compressing (entrapping) the right sciatic nerve against the greater sciatic notch (e.g., Piriformis Syndrome).

If the right sciatic pain is not reduced while running this test, the right Piriformis muscle is not compressing (entrapping) the right sciatic nerve against the greater sciatic notch.





Prof/Dr Brian A Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot Structure and the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Inventor and Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain
Content copyright . Brian A Rothbart. All rights reserved.
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