What does the Piriformis Stretch Test assess?

• A. Quadriceps tightness
• B. Piriformis syndrome
• C. Hamstring strain
• D. IT Band syndrome

Answer: (B)

The Piriformis Stretch Test is specifically designed to assess piriformis syndrome, which is a condition where the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, irritates the sciatic nerve. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttocks and down the leg, similar to sciatica. During the test, the patient typically lies on their back, and the examiner places the patient's leg into a position that stretches the piriformis muscle. A positive test result, indicated by pain or discomfort in the buttock or along the pathway of the sciatic nerve, suggests that the piriformis muscle may be contributing to the patient's symptoms, confirming the suspicion of piriformis syndrome.

The other options pertain to different areas of muscle tightness or injuries. For instance, quadriceps tightness would be assessed through a different maneuver targeting that specific muscle group, while hamstring strains and IT Band syndrome involve other muscle tensions and related assessments, not the piriformis muscle. Thus, the focus on the piriformis muscle and its direct relationship with sciatic nerve irritation underscores the correctness of associating the Piriformis Stretch Test with piriformis syndrome.