Hi. There was a Parkinson's patient who used to post
here (search "rvinecore "). You might try emailing him
- don't know if his email address is still active.
Reviewing his posts, the only thing I found that might
be helpful to you was in message # 568 where he states
"In my case gait is a problem because of Parkinson's
which causes one side to be stronger than the other. "
There was a response in message #577 but all of this
regards someone with different symptoms.

I'm no medical person, but if the Parkinson's caused
any muscle imbalance in the pelvis, you can have any
number of problems & pains as a result. And that
includes referred pain in the leg(s). Piriformis
Syndrome may only be a symptom of a wider problem in
the pelvis.

The manual test for diagnosing Piriformis Syndrome is
as accurate as the expensive, diagnostic tests .

He has already had the standard tests that would
identity other causes of pain such as a growth
pressing on nerve. Given the history of Parkinson's,
I, the non-doctor, am guessing muscle imbalance is
more probable.

The quality & variety of PT techniques for treating
Piriformis Syndrome vary widely.

A PT that is highly experienced in manual techniques
to balance the pelvis & as well as knowledge about
Parkinson's may be difficult to find. But I my
non-medical opinion, is probably your best bet.


You might look for a PT who has mastered many manual
techniques
- the absolute minimum is being good at myeofascial
release therapy. Preferably find a PT who has done
upper level course work in the techniques of PTs like
Stanley Paris, Ola Grimsby,or Sharon
Weislfish-Giammateo

Or check out Integrative Manual Therapy techniques.
See www.centerimt.com/locations.asp
for locations near you

A knowledgeable PT can diagnose these muscle imbalance
problems better than a doctor. So if you have a really
good PT, it is better if the doctor's orders read
"Evaluate & Treat" than "Treat for Piriformis
Syndrome"

I don't know if any of this is applicable or helpful
to your father's case. So best of luck to you & your
father. Mary




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