Non-invasive treatment for piriformis muscle pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of strain-counterstrain treatment specifically targeting the piriformis muscle in patients experiencing pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the actual treatment and the other receiving a sham treatment focused on the hamstring muscle. Pain levels will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale before and after each of the two treatment sessions, which are spaced 1-2 weeks apart. An algometer will also be utilized to measure changes in pain pressure threshold pre and post-treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 65 years of age
* Tender point (or trigger point) in piriformis muscle determined by physical exam

Exclusion criteria:

* Less than 45 degrees of active hip flexion, less than 5 degrees of active hip internal rotation or less than 30 degrees of active hip external rotation, on side of affected piriformis
* Unable to lay prone
* Non-English speaker
* Inability to attend 2 sessions within the same month
* Active cancer
* Pregnant
* Diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy
* Greater than grade 1 lumbar spondylolisthesis
* Presence of lumbar region Pars Defect
* Receiving massage, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, osteopathic treatments during study period.

Where it's running

• Loma Linda University Health
  Loma Linda, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mickey Lui — Loma Linda University Health
• Study coordinator: Roya Vahdatinia, DO
• Email: rvahdatinia@llu.edu
• Phone: 9095586202

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Interfascial hydrodissection added to ultrasound-guided piriformis injection for piriformis syndrome

  In adults with piriformis syndrome, this study tests whether adding interfascial hydrodissection to a targeted piriformis injection helps reduce pain and improve function.

  Recruiting Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital · Istanbul, Uskudar · NCT07813455

• Post-Isometric Relaxation vs Reciprocal Inhibition for Piriformis Syndrome

  A controlled trial tests two manual therapy techniques to see which helps people with piriformis syndrome more when used with standard physiotherapy.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07646314

• Post-isometric relaxation versus active isolated stretching for piriformis syndrome

  We are testing whether post-isometric relaxation or active isolated stretching better reduces pain and improves movement in adults aged 20–55 with piriformis syndrome.

  Recruiting Foundation University Islamabad · Islamabad, Punjab Province · NCT07526012

• Lumbar stabilization exercises versus muscular chain therapy for mechanical chronic low back pain

  This trial tests whether lumbar stabilization exercises or muscular chain (posterior sagittal) therapy better reduce pain and disability in people aged 18–30 with mechanical chronic low back pain.

  Recruiting Ibadat International University, Islamabad · Islamabad · NCT07523906

• Post-Isometric Relaxation and Myofascial Release for Low Back Pain with Lower Cross Syndrome

  This trial tests whether combining post-isometric relaxation with myofascial release helps reduce pain and improve flexibility and function for adults with low back pain and lower cross syndrome.

  Recruiting University of Karachi · Karachi, Sindh · NCT07496099

• Comparing instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus PNF stretching for athletes with piriformis syndrome.

  This will test whether instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or PNF stretching better reduces pain and improves hip motion in athletes aged 18–35 with piriformis syndrome.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07090356

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.