Piriformis
Body region：Hip and buttock
Deep buttock pain that may radiate down the back of the leg (sciatica-like)
Function
Originates from the front of the sacrum and inserts at the greater trochanter of the femur. Externally rotates the hip; the sciatic nerve passes close to it.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting, overly tight or overused buttock muscles, running and climbing stairs.
Massage and stretching
- Ball press, avoiding tingling areas
- Figure-4 stretch
Related acupoints
- Huantiao (GB30)：Outer buttock, in the depression above the back of the greater trochanter (easy to find with the hip flexed while lying on the side)
- Zhibian (BL54)：Upper buttock, about 3 cun lateral to the sacrum
Related meridians
Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang、Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang
Posture and muscle patterns
When to see a doctor：Leg numbness or weakness, or tingling that extends to the calf: see a doctor to rule out a lumbar cause.