The effectiveness of myofascial release over stretching on pain and range of motion among female college students with piriformis syndrome

Abstract

Piriformis syndrome is a painful neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the piriformis muscle irritates and/or compresses the proximal sciatic nerve. Prolonged sitting position is the foremost cause of piriformis tightness in sedentary population that may eventually leads to piriformis syndrome. The incidence of piriformis has been reported to be six times more prevalent among females than males. Piriformis tightness will cause reduction in the range of motion, as well as limitations in walking, sitting and even running. Moreover, individuals will also feel pain in their butt muscles, which could be frustrating. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release over stretching on pain and range of motion among female college students with piriformis syndrome. Twenty participants aged between 19 to 25 years old with tight piriformis muscle for four weeks participated in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomised and underwent myofascial release and stretching treatment twice in a week for four weeks. Before each session, the pain score and goniometer measurements were recorded. The experimental group and control group benefited through reduced pain and range of motion. Therefore, there are no significant effects of myofascial release found over stretching between the two groups.