Comparing Two Soft Tissues Technique on Piriformis Syndrome Patients

Effect of Myofascial Release as Compared to Post Isometric Relaxation in Improving Pain and Lower Extremity Function in Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular condition with symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling tracing the route of the sciatic nerve, due to the nerve impingement by the piriformis muscle. Two common manual therapy techniques used to treat musculoskeletal conditions are myofascial release and post-isometric relaxation. The intent of the research is to evaluate the effects of myofascial release (MFR) as compared to post-isometric relaxation (PIR) in improving pain and lower extremity function in piriformis syndrome (LEFS). The study population involved 32 individuals aged between 20 to 50 years who will be randomly assigned to two groups; a group that received MFR and a group that received PIR. Both groups received the baseline treatment for four weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be employed to gauge the amount of pain, while the LEFS was used to measure functional mobility

This is Multiple-center, randomized controlled trail. Participants age 20-50 years with diagnosed piriformis syndrome will be referred from neuro physician and orthopedic department of Madina Teaching hospital (MTH) to Physiotherapy ward, Jafar Physiotherapy Clinic and Madina Specilaists Clinic. After informed consent Participants will be randomly assign to one of two parallel groups using a random number generator. Group A (Experimental): Receive MFR 3 sessions per week for total duration 4 weeks. Group B (Active Comparator) receive the PIR 3 sessions per week for total duration 4 weeks. Outcome measures (pain via VAS, functional status via LEFS) are taken at baseline and end of treatment. Data will be analyzed using Spss version 20.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Positive Lasegue sign
• Positive FAIR test
• Grade 1-3 tenderness on palpation of piriformis between sacrum and greater trochanter of femur
• 4 or more pain intensity on the VAS scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower extremity injuries including ligament, tendon injuries, muscle strains as well as nerve injuries

  • Systemic diseases including tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease as well as chronic inflammatory conditions
  • Congenital deformities including hip dysplasia, limb length discrepancy, scoliosis and congenital pelvic asymmetry
  • Cognitive issues including dementia, severe depression and severe psychotic disorders
  • Lumbar Radiculopathy
  • SIJ Dysfunction
  • Lower Extremity Fractures
  • Pregnancy
  • Malignancy