Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Piriformis Tightness in Chronic Low Back Pain with Radiation

Abstract

BACKGROUND Low back pain is a common condition in India. 90 % of Indian population experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. Studies show that 98 % low back pain is because of mechanical disorder of spine. Piriformis tightness is one of the most misdiagnosed causes for low back pain or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Various manual therapy approaches have been studied for reducing muscle tightness. We wanted to assess the effectiveness of muscle energy technique that is post-isometric relaxation technique on piriformis muscle tightness, its effectiveness in relieving low back pain with radiation, and increasing range of motion. METHODS 60 patients were included in the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria from Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi Meghe, and were randomly assigned in to two groups. The duration of study was 12 days (6 sessions / week) and follow up was taken on 27th day. Subjects in muscle energy technique experimental group were treated with post isometric relaxation technique (PIR), subjects in control group were given simple passive stretching of piriformis. All subjects were educated about proper ergonomics. RESULTS Both interventions post isometric relaxation and simple stretching techniques were effective in terms of pain reduction, ROM (Range of Motion) improvement, piriformis tightness, disability with p < 0.05 with post isometric relaxation technique superseding simple stretching. Moreover, post isometric relaxation technique in muscle energy technique had sustained effects on follow-up in terms of relieving pain, disability and tightness for longer period of time. CONCLUSIONS Muscle energy technique gives immediate relief of pain improving ROM and decreasing tightness of piriformis and disability and has longer lasting effects. KEY WORDS Piriformis Tightness, Muscle Energy Technique, Stretching.