Effects of Reciprocal Inhibition Versus Post Facilitation Muscle Energy Technique Along With Conventional Physical Therapy in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Reciprocal Inhibition MET will be applied to the shortened piriformis muscle in supine and prone positions with participants using 30-50% of their maximum voluntary isometric contraction. It will include 30-50% isometric contraction of the muscle opposite to the muscle to be stretched for 7-10 seconds, followed by inhalation, exhalation and rest period of 5 seconds and then a stretch (through the new barrier with patients' assistance) of 10-60 seconds hold. RI-MET group will receive 3-5 repetitions.

Post-facilitation stretch technique for shortened piriformis muscle in supine and prone positions will be applied with participants using 20% of their maximum voluntary isometric contraction. It will include 20% maximal isometric contraction of the muscle to be stretched for 6-10 seconds, followed by a rapid stretch (through the new barrier) of 15 seconds hold. After stretch, the muscle is allowed to relax in the midrange for up to 30 seconds. PFS-MET group will receive 3-5 repetitions.

"TENS and hot pack application to provide heating effect over the painful area (10 minutes) Both groups will receive conventional physical therapy which they will be taught as a home plan. Following exercises are guided to the patient as home plan.~* Resisted abduction with Thera/resistance band~* Resisted bridging with Thera/resistance band~* Resisted clam exercise with Thera/resistance band"