Piriformis Syndrome

In chronic piriformis syndrome lasting more than two years, the piriformis muscle fibers have turned into scar tissue, resulting in a high degree of adhesion. In this state, the response to simple acupuncture and physical therapy alone is slow, making it essential to physically separate the fibrous adhesions using moxibustion or extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Clinically, even for chronic patients, a 50–70% reduction in pain and recovery of walking function are fully achievable with 3 to 6 months of active treatment. While prioritizing the restoration of daily function over complete pain relief is the primary goal, combining exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the piriformis muscle is essential to prevent recurrence. From the perspective of a Korean medicine clinic, long-standing piriformis issues are complex cases involving a combination of stagnant Qi and blood circulation that has caused pain to harden and a weakened overall vital energy. Since prolonged blockage of Qi and blood leads to a decline in organ function, it is necessary to simultaneously perform adhesion release and restore the body's vital energy. At Dongjedang, we establish a foundation for tissue regeneration through external treatment using moxibustion and fire acupuncture to gradually release adhesions, along with constitution-tailored herbal medicine that reinforces kidney and digestive functions. There are many cases where patients who do not give up on treatment, even with chronic conditions, achieve steady recovery.