Recruiting

Two stretching techniques for piriformis syndrome pain relief

Plain-English translation of NCT07526012 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing two different stretching techniques — post-isometric relaxation and active isolated stretching — to see which one works better at reducing pain, improving movement, and decreasing disability in people with piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is a condition where a muscle in your buttock becomes tight or inflamed, causing pain that may radiate down the back of your thigh. Both groups will also receive standard physical therapy treatments like heat and electrical stimulation.

Piriformis syndrome causes significant pain and difficulty with daily activities like sitting and climbing stairs, but doctors aren't sure which stretching method works best to treat it. This trial aims to find the most effective stretching approach so that people with this condition get the best possible pain relief and recovery.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 20 and 55 years old
you have buttock pain that may radiate down the back of your thigh (but not below the knee)
your pain gets worse when sitting, climbing stairs, or rotating your hip
you have tenderness when a therapist presses on a specific area in your buttock
you test positive on a specific physical exam test called the FAIR test

You likely don't qualify if…

you have cancer or a history of cancer
you have taken steroid medications for more than 3 months
you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
you have a hip fracture, deformity, or bone weakness condition like osteoporosis
you have had previous hip surgery or structural hip problems

What participation looks like

You will come to the clinic 3 times per week for 2 weeks (6 sessions total). In each session, you'll receive either post-isometric relaxation stretches (where you tighten your muscle briefly then relax) or active isolated stretches (where you move your leg to the end of its range and hold a gentle stretch), plus standard treatments like heat and electrical stimulation. The entire program lasts just 2 weeks, and your pain, movement range, and ability to do daily activities will be measured before and after the treatment.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Two stretching techniques for piriformis syndrome pain relief

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)