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Learn about piriformis syndrome and explore massage therapy considerations for clients experiencing related symptoms and radiating pain. This 1-hour continuing education course introduces massage therapists to the structures involved, common symptoms, contributing factors, contraindications, and client assessment strategies.
The course also covers massage techniques for piriformis syndrome and contributing trigger points, along with range-of-motion testing and client self-care through stretching and strengthening.
In this course, you will learn:
What piriformis syndrome is and the structures involved
Common signs, symptoms, and contributing factors
Contraindications and special considerations related to radiating pain
Client assessment questions and range-of-motion testing
Massage techniques for piriformis syndrome
Trigger points that may contribute to symptoms
Stretching and strengthening strategies for client self-care
Why take this course?
Piriformis syndrome and related radiating pain are concerns massage therapists may encounter in practice. This focused 1-hour course provides practical information on assessment, contraindications, massage techniques, trigger points, and self-care strategies related to piriformis syndrome.
Define piriformis syndrome and identify the structures involved.
Identify common signs, symptoms, and contributing factors.
Recognize contraindications and special considerations related to piriformis syndrome and radiating pain.
Describe basic client assessment strategies, including questions and range-of-motion testing.
Identify massage techniques appropriate for clients experiencing symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome.
Describe trigger points that may contribute to piriformis-related symptoms.
Describe stretching and strengthening strategies for client self-care.
Text: Piriformis Syndrome, an excerpt from Condition-Specific Massage by Celia Bucci, 29 pages
Study guide with instructions
9-question online multiple-choice exam
Course evaluation
Certificate of achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone support
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
I have enjoyed every course taken because they are clear and informative. The course equips the practitioner to incorporate the tools and information into their practice. - Sharon G.
I like how the information was straightforward. - Sheila P.
I do all my Ce hours with the Center for Massage. Customer service is great, website is so easy to use! - Yolanda G.
I liked how the information flowed and was easy to read. Lots of info without any filler. - Simon R.
Great information and I could use it immediately in practice. - Susan B.
Which of the following nerves is most affected by piriformis syndrome?
A. Gluteal nerve
B. Pudendal nerve
C. Sciatic nerve
D. Tibial nerve
What is the importance of asking the client to describe what their symptoms feel like?
A. To get clues to the location of trigger points, injury, or other contributing factors
B. To differentiate between possible origins of symptoms, and determine the involvement of nerves or blood vessels
C. To determine if injury or surgery and resulting scar tissue may have caused adhesions, hyper- or hypotonicity, and atypical ROM
D. To determine if repetitive motions and static postures that increase lateral rotation or abduction of the hip are contributing to the client's condition
Where are trigger points in the piriformis frequently found?
A. Near the greater trochanter and near the sacrum
B. Near the iliac crest and near the midline of the buttock
C. Near the greater trochanter and near the popliteal fossa
D. Near the PSIS and near the sacrum
Course Author
About the Instructor
Celia Bucci, LMT
Celia graduated from the Soma Institute for Clinical Massage Therapy in 2002. Her continuing education has focused on learning what contributes to common pain complaints, methods for reducing pain and improving movement, and the research supporting both. She’s taught in entry-level massage therapy schools and continuing education programs. She wrote Condition Specific Massage Therapy for massage therapists interested in learning to apply basic techniques to address the specific symptoms of conditions such as headaches, neck, shoulder, low back, hip and knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, sprains, muscle strain and tendinitis. The book is used in Massage Therapy schools across the country and is available in Japanese and Korean. Celia has received the 2010 AMTA-IL Distinguished Service Award and the 2012 AMTA-IL Meritorious Award.
