Piriformis syndrome- Ouch what a pain!

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to have a fitness consultation at the California institute of Health and Longevity.  It is where the initial training happens on Extreme Makeover Weight  Loss Edition.  Completely awesome and inspiring.  I really recommend it if you get a chance. 

Before I started the increased workouts they advised I had the pain deep in my right butt cheek checked out.  I suspected it was a sciatic nerve issue.  It was.  The nerve is being compressed by a muscle called the piriformis muscle.  Hurts more to sit nd drive than stand but if I sit too long, my back hurts. 

They used to treat it with bed rest but now they advise a gentle kind of active rehab.  I'm upset about this setback and worried about weight gain and know I'll need to be really careful with food.   

I'm 2 years out from my VSG and have really been struggling, but now I m just afraid.  Mostly just venting but if anybody can give me some advise I would appreciate it.   Thanks for listening.

I have this. I've never heard of bed rest as a treatment, nor have I been told to limit my activity as a result (my activity is limited for entirely different reasons).  Piriformis syndrome is caused by muscle spasm and tension, so I do the same things as for any muscle cramp:  Heat, massage, stretching, and muscle relaxants. 

I like this last post...a great stretch is to cross your ankle ( the affected side) over the opposite knee and pull the affected side knee to the opposite shoulder. Make sure you hold your stretch for at least 30 secs or your wasting your time. It's actually best to hold it till you don't feel the stretch anymore but that could take a very long time. Good luck
Ps. I'm an RMT

If you look on you tube there are many videos showing stretches to release the periformis muscle. They work great. 

Massage therapy would help too and the therapist could run you through some stretches you could do at home. 

I have this issue. What I have done, when I exercise, I use less weight and a decreased range of motion. Over time, it is slowly improving, but it takes months. I have continued to exercise, but have modified my exercise. Massage and stretching are very helpful. I recently started acupuncture and that has been extremely helpful.  Heat and ice also help.