Graston vs Manual Myofascial Release Technique in Piriformis Syndrome.

Comparison of Graston and Manual Myofacial Release Technique in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome.

The objective of our study is to compare the effects of Graston and manual myofascial release technique on pain, muscle length and functional status in patients with Piriformis syndrome.

In 2019, a study was conducted to conclude the effectiveness of Passive stretching v/s Myofascial release in improving Piriformis flexibility in females. They reported that myofascial release was more valuable than passive stretching exercises in enhancing piriformis flexibility in patients with piriformis tightness.

According to another study in 2018, after a single treatment, compressive myofascial release showed more improvement in ankle dorsiflexion than Graston technique, in participants with decrease dorsiflexion range.

In 2016, a study reported the effects of the Graston technique and general exercise in patients with chronic low back pain. Graston group showed greater improvement in pain and range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain.

According to a study conducted in 2014, self-myofascial release was more effective than Graston technique in improving knee joint flexibility, hamstring, and quadriceps strength.

In 2011, a study evaluated the effectiveness of deep soft tissue mobilization techniques and stretching exercises in piriformis syndrome and found that the deep soft tissue mobilization techniques along with stretching exercises significantly improved the piriformis syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:•

• Pain more than 1 month.
• Piriformis syndrome diagnosed through screening test (FAIR test, Beatty test, Freiberg test, Sign of Pace)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Leg pain due to causes other than piriformis syndrome.
• Congenital spinal deformity.
• History of fracture.
• History of back or hip surgery.
• Any systemic illness like metastatic or infective disorders.