Neural Gliders With and Without ESWT for Deep Gluteal Syndrome

Comparative Effects of Neural Gliders With and Without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability, and Nerve Mechanosensitivity in Patients With Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing Neural Gliders with and without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. A total of 44 participants are divided equally into two groups: Group A receives neural gliders, ESWT, and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives neural gliders with conventional physiotherapy only. The study evaluates changes in pain, functional disability, and nerve mechano-sensitivity using NPRS, ODI, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and SLR. Its aim is to determine whether adding ESWT provides greater clinical improvement than neural gliders alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 25 to 45 years, including both genders 55
• Positive FAIR, Active Piriformis Test, Seated Piriformis Stretch Test 56,6,57
• NPRS pain score ≥ 3/10 55
• For a minimum of four weeks, there has been unilateral discomfort in the buttock, with or without accompanying posterior thigh pain, exacerbated by sitting 58

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgery involving the ipsilateral hip, pelvis, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac joint 34
• Women who were pregnant or nursing were excluded 59
• Medical conditions such as tumors or fractures 60
• Neuromuscular disorders that impair normal lumbopelvic morphology or progressive neurologic disease 60
• Disc pathologies identified through radiological imaging 17
• Pathologies of the hip joint and soft tissues 17
• Recent trauma history 17
• History of polyneuropathy, sciatic nerve injury, rheumatological disease, or malignancy 17
• Corticosteroid therapy or opioid-derived analgesia for pain during the previous month 17