EFFECT OF RECIPROCAL INHIBITION AND POST ISOMETRIC RELAXATION; TYPES OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE IN PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME – A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

Gopal Nambi Subash Chandra Bose* and Gopal Dusad

ABSTRACT

Background: Piriformis syndrome (PS) is a neuromuscular condition characterized by hip and buttock pain and may referred to lower back and thigh. Muscle Energy technique involves two techniques such as Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in treatment of pain. Hence the aim of the study was to compare the effects of Reciprocal Inhibition and Post isometric relaxation in Piriformis syndrome. Methods: 64 subjects were divided into 3 groups by random allocation method. Group A, (n=15) subjects received Reciprocal Inhibition, Group B (n=15) received Post isometric relaxation and Group C, (n=15) received Conventional intervention only. Treatment last for 12 sessions over two week period. Pain Intensity, Hip ROM and Functional Disability were measured at baseline and at the end of 12th treatment session. Results: At the end of 12th session the inter group comparison of pain intensity, Hip Abduction, Internal Rotation and functional disability score revealed significant difference (p = 0.000). The intra group comparison of VAS, Hip Abduction, Hip Internal rotation and LEFS score shows significant difference (p<0.05) in all groups (P=0.000). Discussion: Strengthening of hip musculature through PIR may help in correction of abnormal movement pattern & minimize stress on piriformis thus reduces compression on sciatic nerve. This occurs due to stimulation of stretch receptors. These receptors react to overstretching of muscle by inhibiting further muscle contraction. Conclusion: Program consists of Post Isometric Relaxation is more effective in reducing pain, improving hip range of motion & functional outcome in participants with piriformis syndrome.

Keywords: Piriformis Syndrome, Reciprocal Inhibition (RI), Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR), visual analog scale, Lower extremity functional score.