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Comparative Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Reciprocal Inhibition Techniques inPiriformis Syndrome

NCT07646314 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 42

Last updated 2026-06-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Piriformis Syndrome (PS) is a condition which is characterized by pain, numbness, and limited range of motion (ROM) due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. It often leads to discomfort in the buttock region, radiating pain along the posterior thigh, and functional limitations in daily activities. Manual therapy techniques, particularly Muscle Energy Techniques (METs), have been widely used for the management of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including piriformis syndrome.

Conditions

  • Piriformis Syndrome

Interventions

OTHER

Post isometrics Relaxation Techniques (PIR)

Post-Isometric Relaxation is a type of MET in which the target muscle is gently contracted isometrically (without movement) against resistance, followed by a passive stretch during the post-contraction relaxation phase. To reduce muscle tension, increase flexibility, and lengthen tight muscles (like the piriformis in Piriformis Syndrome). Position the patient in a stretch position for the tight muscle just before the point of resistance. Then ask the patient to perform a gentle isometric contraction of the tight muscle (e.g., piriformis) for about 5-10 seconds against minimal resistance. After contraction, the patient relaxes for a few seconds. During this relaxation, the therapist passively stretches the muscle to a new barrier and holds for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times. So, the whole treatment session will be of 50 minutes. This technique will be applied twice a week for 4 weeks.

OTHER

Reciprocal Inhibition Technique

Reciprocal Inhibition is another MET technique where the antagonist of the tight muscle is contracted, which reflexively causes the tight (agonist) muscle to relax. To inhibit the overactive muscle by activating its opposing muscle group, allowing for greater stretch and flexibility. Place the muscle (e.g., piriformis) into a gentle stretch. Ask the patient to contract the antagonist muscle (e.g., hip adductors/internal rotators) for about 5-10 seconds. Therapist then passively stretches the target muscle (e.g., piriformis) further. Repeat 3-5 times. So, the whole treatment session will be of 50 minutes. This technique will be applied twice a week for 4 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Riphah International University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Hira Shaukat, Mphill · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
25 Years
Max Age
40 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-06-17
Primary Completion
2026-10-10
Completion
2026-11-20

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07646314 on ClinicalTrials.gov