Is Riding An Exercise Bike Good For Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis, a small muscle in your posterior, puts pressure on your sciatic nerve. Riding a bicycle of any sort may aggravate your condition. To treat piriformis syndrome, you need to understand the function of the piriformis. At no time should self-treatment replace the care of a skilled physician.

Piriformis

Your piriformis is a small muscle located under your gluteus maximus, the large muscle of your posterior. Your piriformis is a flat muscle that helps rotate your leg and turn your foot outward. If you turn your toes out or step out to your side, you are using your piriformis. Your piriformis is active in many sports featuring agility, dancing and swimming where you are using a frog-style kick.

Piriformis Syndrome

Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body, and transmits signals to most of your leg. When this nerve is compressed by your piriformis, pain and inflammation often result. If the compression is severe enough, it can limit nervous-system transmission to your leg. The compression can also result in poor posture or improper rotation of your leg, which can then lead to other problems, notably in your lower back.

Exercise Bike

Riding a bicycle is a common cause of piriformis syndrome, and must be avoided if you have been diagnosed with this condition. When you cycle, your knees often abduct, or move outward slightly. to accommodate the width of the bike. This is a continued strain on the piriformis and the gluteus medius and minimus simultaneously. All of these muscles function together to maintain the proper position of your thigh. Flaring your knees outward slightly while rotating your hip joints is not how to rehabilitate your piriformis.

Rehabilitation

To rehabilitate your piriformis all that is required is an exercise band. With your feet shoulder-width apart, tie the band around both ankles. Step straight out to one side without rotating your leg. Use the leg on the same side as the irritation. When side-stepping, do not lean forward, back or over. Bring the other foot into position, then step outward again. Repeat this for at least three sets of 20 steps, and train each side to avoid developing an imbalance. This exercise works your gluteus minimus and medius, which helps balance the stress placed on your sciatic nerve by your piriformis.