Actively Recruiting
Strain-Counterstrain Treatment of Piriformis Pain
Led by Loma Linda University · Updated on 2026-04-24
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to offer a non-invasive and efficient treatment for pain caused by the piriformis muscle. It focuses on adults aged 18 to 65 who have tenderness in the piriformis muscle and evaluates strain-counterstrain therapy as a potential option. The study is investigator-initiated and involves comparing real treatment to a sham procedure to better understand its effects on piriformis pain. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receives strain-counterstrain treatment directly on the piriformis muscle, while the other group receives a sham treatment targeting the hamstring muscle. Treatments are given twice, ideally 1 to 2 weeks apart. The therapy involves positioning and passive movement of the leg to reduce pain points, held for 90 seconds each time. During the study, participants will complete the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire before the first treatment and after the second. Pain levels are measured using a Visual Analog Scale before and after each treatment, both at rest and during pressure to the piriformis muscle. An algometer is used to objectively measure changes in pressure pain threshold. The overall participation involves two treatment sessions spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, with pain and disability assessments before, during, and after these sessions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Strain-Counterstrain Treatment of Piriformis Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 to 65 years of age
- Tender point (or trigger point) in piriformis muscle determined by physical exam
You will not qualify if you...
- Less than 45 degrees of active hip flexion on affected side
- Less than 5 degrees of active hip internal rotation on affected side
- Less than 30 degrees of active hip external rotation on affected side
- Unable to lie prone
- Non-English speaker
- Inability to attend 2 sessions within the same month
- Active cancer
- Pregnant
- Diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy
- Greater than grade 1 lumbar spondylolisthesis
- Presence of lumbar region Pars Defect
- Receiving massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, or osteopathic treatments during study period
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 to 2 weeks
Participants receive two strain-counterstrain treatments, either to the piriformis muscle or the hamstring muscle for the sham group, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. Pain and disability are assessed before and after treatments.
2 treatment visits spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Loma Linda University Health
Loma Linda, California, United States, 92350
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Roya Vahdatinia, DO
M
Mickey Lui, DO
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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