Additional Effects of Piriformis Stretch in the Management of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is known as an important contributing factor in lower back pain. Pain and stiffness experienced from the sacroiliac joint in the SI region (hips/groins or may spread to lower extremity) is referred as SIJ dysfunction.Physiotherapists have a wide range of options in managing SIJD including Manipulation, Kinesiotaping, Muscle Energy Technique (MET), McKenzie, Maitland's mobilization, and Mulligan's mobilization. So far studies have shown the efficacy of different treatment tools in combination or in isolation. Likewise, researchers have also studied the effect of piriformis stretch in combination with other exercises on sacroiliac joint pain. However, there is very limited literature available on the cumulative effect of piriformis stretch along with mobilization maneuvers on pain and disability in patient with SIJ dysfunction.Since piriformis is one of the most important muscles involved in stabilization of SI joint and a major source of SI dysfunction, hence the current study is designed to investigate the additional effects of piriformis stretch with manual therapy in the management of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.