The study aims to compare the effects of radiation shockwave and low-level laser therapy on piriformis muscle thickness, lower extremity function, pain intensity, and hip range of motion in patients with piriformis syndrome.
Low back pain affects 75%-84% of the general population in developed countries, with piriformis syndrome being more common in women. piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve in the infra-piriformis canal, causing sciatic pain, tingling, and numbness. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in treating piriformis syndrome, but this study aims to compare results to improve treatment outcomes, save time and money, and add value to physical therapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
63
Physical therapy can be beneficial for patients with piriformis syndrome, including stretching exercises, local massage, and superficial heat. Traditional stretching techniques include external rotation, hip flexion, and adduction. A hot pack on the trigger point area for 10 minutes followed by passive stretching for 30 seconds each.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive alternative treatment for muscle disorders like sports and traumatic injuries, as it reduces pain and promotes soft tissue repair. In a study, patients in group A were treated with three sessions of Storz Medical Shock Wave MP100, each consisting of 2000 pulses with a total energy dose of 1080 mJ / mm. The study aimed to determine the location of the piriformis muscle in the prone position.
out-patient clinic in physiotherapy department at EL KATEB Hospital
Giza, Egypt
Assessing the change of body mass index
Weight and height Scale will be used to measure body mass index
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
assessing the change of pain intensity
The 10-cm visual analogue scale has been proven reliable, valid, and responsive for assessing pain levels, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst pain possible, demonstrating its effectiveness in measuring pain.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
assessing the change of functional status
The patient's functional status is assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale before treatment. This self-assessment tool is valid and reliable, and the patient's score on the questionnaire is evaluated. The scale is free for clinical or research purposes.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
assessing the change of range of motion of lower limb
Goniometer measurement is used to assess the range of motion of hip internal and external rotation before and after intervention. This simple test is accurate and reliable in detecting changes in hip range of motion, making it a valid measure to detect underlying hip pathology and enable surgical intervention based on it.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks
assessing the change of piriformis muscle thickness
Ultrasound guided measurement for piriformis M.sc thickness may be a reliable technique for early diagnosis of post-operative pain syndrome, increasing conservative treatment options and routinely evaluating patients with unidentified causes of buttock pain. The technique involves placing a probe in the patient's prone position, moving the patient's lower leg to confirm the piriformis position, and measuring piriformis thickness in the medial part of the ischium.
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Low Level Laser Therapy, also known as Photo-biomodulation, is a low-intensity light therapy that triggers biochemical changes within cells, similar to photosynthesis in plants. It can treat nociceptive and neuropathic pain, but central pain has not been proven responsive to low level laser therapy.
Time frame: at baseline and after 6 weeks