Whether your workout of choice is jogging or weightlifting, foam rolling is an excellent way to alleviate soreness and improve mobility in the hips and surrounding area.
Why Is It Important To Foam Roll Piriformis?
Preventing exercise-related injuries is a significant benefit of a consistent foam-rolling regimen. Healthy and stretched piriformis muscle enhances sportive performance. Good condition of this muscle contributes to good posture and overall physical health. Foam rolling may also help those who require physical treatment after an accident. By gently breaking down the scar tissue that forms when injured tissue heals, a foam roller help alleviate discomfort.
The piriformis muscle is one of those helping externally rotate the leg or hip when you extend it. Also, it helps to abductor and brings the leg away from the midline when flexing. The piriformis muscle aids in relaxing muscular spasms, which relieves strain on the sciatic nerve. What about the clinical importance? The sciatic nerve, in its entirety or portion of it, called the peroneal nerve, pierces the muscle we are talking about. If the piriformis isn’t stretched enough and remains tight all the time, it can lead to piriformis syndrome. It’s the name for nerve pain from the low back to the knee area. Practice foam roll piriformis to avoid that undesired condition.
How To Foam Roll Piriformis: A Step By Step Guide
Step 1. Get into starting position
Put the foam roller on the ground and lay on it. Lie on your side. One hand is bent and serves as support. The other hand is loosely on your thigh. Keep the leg you are working on extended. The other one may be bent and stand firmly on the floor.
Step 2. Do foam rolling
Roll the piriformis softly by moving your body up and down. Move slowly and deliberately over the roller, gliding back and forth over the muscle’s length. You’re in charge of the tension, and shifting your position might relieve the pain. The rolling should be done carefully so as not to cause too much discomfort. Continue rolling for about half a minute. Then repeat on the other quad. Repeat three to five times
Step 3. Listen to your body
Always listen to your body and determine whether the method is suitable for you. As soon as you feel a sensitive region, rest for a few seconds on the side of your hip, towards the top of your glutes. When the piriformis is too reactive, moderate pressure is required. It shouldn’t hurt too much. If you find that you cannot execute the exercise while maintaining a relaxed muscle, attempt to decrease the load.
Conclusion
An external rotator of the hip, the piriformis muscle, extends from the lower back to the outside thigh. Poor posture, which may develop through prolonged sitting or driving, is a common cause of piriformis stiffness and discomfort. A tight piriformis can also increase the risk of injury. Thankfully, you may prevent piriformis syndrome and other muscle issues with the use of a simple foam rolling method. Include this technique in your regular regimen if you’re experiencing tightness around your lower body.