Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus PNF Stretching in Athletes With Piriformis Syndrome

Launched by RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Jul 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different treatments for athletes who have piriformis syndrome, a condition that causes pain in the buttock and hip area, making it hard to sit for long periods. The study compares a technique called Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), which uses special tools to massage and loosen tight muscles, with another method called PNF stretching, a type of guided stretching designed to improve muscle flexibility. The goal is to see which treatment better reduces pain, improves hip movement, and helps with daily activities.

The trial is looking for professional athletes aged 18 to 35 who have had ongoing pain in their buttock and hip, struggle to sit comfortably, and show a positive result on a simple physical test called the Faber test. Those interested will receive treatment three times a week for four weeks and will be monitored over 12 months to check their pain levels, hip movement, and ability to carry out normal tasks. People with recent injuries, other health problems, or previous lower back surgery won’t be eligible. This study is currently recruiting participants at the Pakistan Sports Board in Lahore.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Professional Athletes aged 18 to 35 years.
• • Chronic pain in the buttock and hip area.
• • Inability to sit for a prolonged time.
• • Athletes having positive Faber test
• • Both male and female athletes
• • Practicing athletes who are in practice from last 2 years.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Trauma history from last 6 months.
• • Other injuries excluding hip pain.
• • Systemic illness.
• • Pre-existing neurological conditions affecting the lower limbs
• • History of lower back surgery