Piriformis Syndrome
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two popular therapeutic interventions, dry needling and cupping therapy, in alleviating pain associated with Piriformis Syndrome. Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, leading to buttock pain and radiating numbness.
Detailed description
The study will recruit participants diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome and will randomly assign them to receive either dry needling or cupping therapy over a specific period. The primary outcome will be the reduction in pain intensity measured by standardized pain assessment tools. Secondary outcomes will include improvements in functional mobility and quality of life. By analyzing the efficacy and patient-reported outcomes of both therapies, the study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians treating Piriformis Syndrome.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTDry Needling Group
Participants in this group will receive dry needling therapy. This involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in the piriformis muscle to relieve pain and muscle tension. The therapy will be administered twice a week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Participants in this group will receive cupping therapy. This involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which is believed to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension. The therapy will be administered twice a week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Sponsors
Superior University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged between 18 to 65 years. * Diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. * Experiencing chronic pain for at least 3 months. * Willingness to comply with the study protocol and attend all therapy sessions.
Exclusion criteria
* Recent surgery on the lower back or hip. * Presence of systemic diseases affecting muscle function (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis). * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Use of anticoagulant medication or having a bleeding disorder. * Participating in another clinical trial simultaneously
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | 12 Months | Participants will rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain) at the beginning and end of the study. |
| Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) | 12 months | This tool assesses the degree of disability in performing daily activities. Quality of life improvements measured by the SF-36 Health Survey, which evaluates physical and mental health status. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed