To compare the effects of Autogenic Inhibition and Reciprocal Inhibition Muscle Energy Techniques (METS) in Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle also can irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness, and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot (similar to sciatic pain). The functional limitations experienced by hip pain patients in the lower limb profoundly impact their quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated approach that compares the Effects of Autogenic Inhibition versus Reciprocal Inhibition Muscle Energy Techniques on Pain, Range of motion, and Disability in patients with Piriformis Syndrome.

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at DHQ Hospital Jhang over six months. The sample size will consist of 32 participants. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be taken through a non-probability convenience sampling technique, that will be randomized through a sealed envelope method. 16 Participants will be assigned to Group A that will be treated with the Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique, 16 Participants will be assigned to Group B and will be treated with Reciprocal Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique at the frequency of 1 set and 3 repetitions per session for two sessions per week and total six sessions for three weeks with follow up at one month. The duration of contraction is 7-10 seconds. Pre and post-intervention values will be taken on the 1st day in the 3rd week and at one-month follow-up. Data will be collected using various assessment tools, including the FAIR test, Freiberg test, Lasegue test, Beatty test, Pace sign, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Universal Goniometer. Pre-intervention assessments will be conducted for all two groups. The effects of the interventions will be measured either by parametric or non-parametric tests after assessing the normality of data by the Shapiro-Wilk test Independent t-test. Data analysis will be performed by using SPSS 25 software.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both genders with ages between 25-45 years.
• Patients diagnosed with Piriformis syndrome using the Piriformis FAIR test, Freiberg test, Lasegue test, Beaty test, and pace sign.
• Hip pain with a threshold of NPRS 3-6.
• Limited ROM of Hip Internal Rotation and Abduction measured using a goniometer.
• Buttock pain ≥ 3 months.
• Pain with prolonged sitting (more than 20 minutes)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hip Degenerative changes.
• History of Trauma or Fracture
• Other Systemic Conditions
• Postural abnormality/deformity
• Diagnosed Psychological Disorders
• Pregnancy