Gentle muscle moves may ease piriformis pain – which works best?
NCT ID NCT07646314
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two muscle energy techniques—post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition—for treating piriformis syndrome, a condition causing buttock pain and limited movement. Researchers will enroll 42 adults aged 25-40 with confirmed piriformis syndrome and moderate to severe pain. The goal is to see which technique better reduces pain, improves range of motion, and boosts daily function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- muscle energy techniques (post-isometric relaxation and reciprocal inhibition)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show which muscle energy technique works better for easing pain and improving movement in piriformis syndrome.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The techniques are manual therapies, not a cure, and benefits may vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 42 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jun 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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25 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: \- Piriformis syndrome clinically confirmed via special tests (e.g., FAIR test, Freiberg sign, Pace test) * Both gender male and female. * Age between 25 and 40 years. * Presence of antalgic gait due to pain. * Moderate to severe pain (e.g., NPRS score ≥ 4) * Voluntary consent to participate in the study. * Medically stable, no acute or unstable medical conditions that would interfere with participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Lumber disc herniation or radiculopathy confirmed by imaging or neurological signs * History of hip or pelvis surgery. * Other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis * Recent lower limb fracture or injury within the last 6 months. * Pregnancy due to potential risks and altered biomechanics. * Inability to follow instruction * Ongoing physiotherapy or alternative treatments
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ghurki Hospital Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Massage vs stretch: which eases piriformis pain better?
- Laser or shockwave: which eases piriformis pain best?
- Which manual therapy eases piriformis pain better? small study pits stretch vs. release