Laser or shockwave: which eases piriformis pain best?

NCT ID NCT07567703

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Beni-Suef University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

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

Cairo, Egypt

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