Objective: To compare the effectiveness of electrotherapy with manual therapy in the treatment of piriformis syndrome.
Methods: In this study which was conducted at Physical therapy department of Family Health Hospital Islamabad, National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine Islamabad and DHQ Hospital Mansehra for a period of two years, 50 patients with piriformis syndrome were divided into two groups; a Control group which underwent electrotherapy treatment (Ultra sonic Therapy -US, Short wave Diathermy-SWD & Transcutaneous Electrical nerve Stimulation-TENS) and Experimental group which underwent Manual Therapy treatment (Soft Tissue & Joint Mobilization Techniques and stretching exercises). Both groups had regular physical therapy sessions for 3 weeks; all participants were taught and practiced home care plan. The progress of the patients was measured on modified Oswestry scale, based on the subjective evaluation of the patients in their activities of daily life.
Results; Total disability post-test scores were lower in experimental group than control group.
Conclusion; Soft tissue and Joint mobilization Techniques along with stretching exercises are of better choice when compared with electrotherapy treatment in patients with pain due to piriformis syndrome.
Key words; Pocket sciatica, Piriformis syndrome, Ultra sonoic Therapy, Cross Fiber Friction, Positional Release Therapy and TENS