Comparison of self-myofascial release and stretching exercises in individuals with piriformis syndrome: a randomised controlled trial

Piriformis syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling and numbness. Although conservative treatment includes hip muscle strengthening and stretching, there is no proven treatment method in the literature. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stretching and myofascial releasing methods added to traditional physiotherapy in piriformis syndrome. This prospective, randomised controlled study was completed with 63 individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Participants were randomised into three groups: piriformis muscle stretch group (n=22), self-myofascial release group (n=21) and control group (n=20). All participants were enrolled in a 4-week muscle strengthening home exercise programme. In addition, the two intervention groups performed stretching and self-myofascial relaxation exercises respectively. The primary outcome was pain intensity and the secondary outcome was the range of motion of the hip. After 4 weeks of exercises, the level of pain intensity felt in the hip decreased significantly and hip joint range of motion increased significantly in all three groups (P<0.05). In the intergroup analysis, self-myofascial release was found to be more effective in reducing the pain level (F3=3.595, P=0.034). The increase in hip adduction and extension joint range of motion was found to be higher in the control group (F3=4.931, P=0.011 and F3=6.432, P=0.003 respectively). Stretching and myofascial releasing methods applied in addition to conventional exercises might improve pain intensity and range of motion as alternative methods for treating piriformis syndrome.