PIRIFORMIS TEST

TEST POSITIONING

The client lies on the nontest side with the test leg in 60 degrees of hip flexion and relaxed knee flexion.

The therapist stands with the proximal hand on the client's pelvis (laterally) and the distal hand on the client's knee (laterally).

ACTION

With the client's pelvis stabilized, apply an adduction (downward) force on the client's knee.

POSITIVE FINDING

Tightness or pain in the hip and buttock areas is indicative of piriformis tightness.

Pain in the buttock and posterior thigh is indicative of sciatic nerve impingement secondary to piriformis tightness.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/COMMENTS

This test may also be performed with the client supine.

It is important for the therapist to differentiate between subjective complaints of pain that may be reported in the hip area but are not actually associated with a tight piriformis muscle.