Abstract

AbstractObjective: To investigate and compare the effectiveness of post facilitation stretch technique with myofascial release in piriformis syndrome and to assess post treatment quality of life.
Methodology: This randomized control trial was carried out at Department of Physical Therapy, Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi. A total of 30 diagnosed piriformis syndrome patients were randomly assigned into two groups via lottery method. Group A received post-facilitation stretch technique whereas myofascial release technique was applied on the patients in group B for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The assessment was made on Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and hip goniometry (external rotation). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Both groups revealed statistically significant results regarding NPRS, LEFS and hip external rotation on goniometer (p<0.05). Comparison of the post-treatment scores between group A and B on NPRS, showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was no significant difference found between group A and group B for both LEFS and hip external rotation.
Conclusion: Both myofascial release and post facilitation stretch technique were effective in the treatment of piriformis syndrome. However, myofascial release was more effective than post facilitation stretch technique for the mediation of pain associated with piriformis syndrome.Key words: Myofascial release, post facilitation stretch, piriformis syndrome, management.