Piriformis Syndrome

The treatment schedule for Piriformis Syndrome is designed flexibly based on symptom severity and lifestyle patterns. General recommendations are: ① Acute/Initial 4 weeks: 2 to 3 times a week (focusing on meridian circulation and muscle relaxation) ② Mid-stage 2 to 3 months: 1 to 2 times a week (detachment of structural adhesions using needle acupuncture and thread lifting) ③ Maintenance phase: 1 time every 2 to 4 weeks (prevention of recurrence). For office workers, a realistic approach involves utilizing evening and weekend hours to receive treatment once or twice a week while performing self-stretching daily. Since the intensive treatment during the first four weeks determines the speed of subsequent recovery, we recommend visiting twice a week at least during this period if possible. From a Korean medicine perspective, if the treatment interval is too long, the next treatment must be received before the Qi and blood flow, previously opened by acupuncture or moxibustion, becomes blocked again, thereby allowing the effects of circulation to accumulate. Initial intensive treatment is the stage of establishing momentum for meridian circulation; once this momentum is formed, the state of improvement can be maintained even if the treatment interval is extended. At Dongjedang, we adjust treatment schedules to fit the individual schedules of working patients and provide a self-management protocol.