Should one push or pull the leg when performing a piriformis stretch?

Question

Should one push or pull the leg when performing a piriformis stretch?

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I have seen both versions:

(image source (mirror))

(image source (mirror))

Answer 1

The Piriformis is a bit different than most muscles. It changes from EXT RO to a INT RO when you Flex your Hip above 90 degrees.

There are quite a few ways to stretch this, and a ton of images on google that are backwards or just confusing. Stick to the basics.

Answer 2

According to https://sportsrehab.ucsf.edu/hip:

• if one pushes then it stretches the piriformis. Demo: https://youtu.be/XI8gbfMKNnk
• if one pulls then it stretches the gluteus (I don't know which one). Demo: https://youtu.be/wMxV1O2UCG8

Note that https://sportsrehab.ucsf.edu/hip is only mentioning the seated piriformis stretch and not the supine piriformis stretch, but I am assuming it is stretching the same muscles (Is the seated piriformis stretch complementary or redundant with the supine piriformis stretch?).