Effects of Neural Mobilization and Stretching in Piriformis Syndrome

Comparative Effects of Neural Mobilization of Sciatic Nerve Versus Stretching Among Patients With Piriformis Syndrome

This study compares the effects of piriformis stretching and neural mobilization of the sciatic nerve in individuals with piriformis syndrome, a condition that is frequently characterized by hip and buttock pain and discomfort brought on by the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve.

In a study involving 40 patients diagnosed with sciatica, researchers aimed to investigate whether neural mobilization of the sciatic nerve or stretching of the piriformis muscle was more effective in treating piriformis syndrome. The patients were divided into two groups, each containing 20 individuals. Group A underwent neural mobilization therapy, while Group B performed piriformis muscle stretches, with both groups receiving treatment three times a week for two weeks. Assessments, including Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, hip range of motion (ROM) in flexion, abduction, and external rotation, as well as the FAIR test, were conducted before and after the interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Positive lasegue sign
• Positive piriformis sign
• Tenderness at sciatic notch (over piriformis muscle).

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Prior surgery of lumbar spine (laminectomy)

  • Unrecognized pelvic fracture
  • Known case of renal stones
  • Disc herniation in lumbar spine
  • Myositis ossificans of piriformis muscle.