Laser or shockwave: which eases piriformis pain best?

NCT ID NCT07567703

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested two non-drug treatments for piriformis syndrome, a condition where a muscle in the buttock presses on a nerve, causing pain. Seventy adults received either low-level laser therapy or radial shockwave therapy, both combined with exercise, over four weeks. Researchers measured pain, movement, disability, and quality of life to see which approach worked better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Low-level laser therapy and radial shockwave therapy, each combined with therapeutic exercise

What this could lead to

If one therapy proves clearly better, it could become a preferred non-drug option for easing piriformis syndrome pain and improving mobility.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with 70 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Both treatments are generally safe but may not work for all patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

piriformis syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Suef University

    Cairo, Egypt