Comparison of Laser and Shockwave Therapy for Piriformis Syndrome With Adjunctive Exercise

A Comparative Study of Laser Therapy and Shockwave Therapy in the Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome: The Role of Exercise as an Adjunctive Treatment

This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy combined with exercise versus radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with exercise in patients with piriformis syndrome. The interventions were applied over four weeks, and outcomes included pain intensity, functional disability, range of motion, and quality of life.

Piriformis syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition that contributes to chronic low back and gluteal pain, often leading to functional limitations. This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with therapeutic exercise versus radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) combined with exercise in patients with piriformis syndrome.

A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Both interventions were administered over a period of four weeks, with follow-up assessment conducted one month post-treatment. Outcome measures included pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), hip range of motion (ROM), and quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36).

Inclusion criteria:

Adults aged 18 to 65 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. piriformis syndrome required a positive FAIR test and EMG evidence of sciatic nerve involvement. Eligible participants had chronic symptoms lasting at least three months and a baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of ≥4.

Exclusion criteria:

Participants were excluded if they had a history of surgical interventions involving the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, or hip; systemic inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis; neurological disorders impairing lower limb function; or were pregnant or lactating. Individuals with malignancy, bleeding disorders, or pacemaker implantation Pain Intensity measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Functional Disability - Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess functional impairment in lower back pain and functional limitations., Range of Motion (ROM):It had been used to assess joint mobility will be assessed using a standard goniometer, Quality of Life - Short Form-36 (SF-36): Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire assessment performed at baseline , posttreatment after 4 weeks and 3 months follow up post treatment

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. piriformis syndrome required a positive FAIR test and EMG evidence of sciatic nerve involvement. Eligible participants had chronic symptoms lasting at least three months and a baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of ≥4.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants were excluded if they had a history of surgical interventions involving the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, or hip; systemic inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis; neurological disorders impairing lower limb function; or were pregnant or lactating. Individuals with malignancy, bleeding disorders, or pacemaker implantation