Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretching in Piriformis Syndrome

Combined Effects of Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretching in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome

To compare the combined effects of foam rolling and dynamic stretching in patients with piriformis syndrome.

1. Warm-Up (2-3 minutes) Objective: Increase blood flow and prepare muscles for stretching.

   • Marching in Place - 30 seconds
   • Pelvic Tilts - 10 reps
   • Gentle Hip Circles - 10 reps each direction

2. Intervention Phase (8-10 minutes) Group 1: Foam Rolling Alone (FR) (~10 minutes)

   • Piriformis Foam Rolling: 30-60 sec per side (2-3 sets)
   • Glutes & Lower Back Foam Rolling: 30 sec each (2-3 sets)
   • Hamstrings & IT Band Foam Rolling: 30 sec each (2-3 sets)

   Focus: Slow, controlled rolling with sustained pressure on tender spots. Group 2: Foam Rolling + Dynamic Stretching (FR+DS) (~10-12 minutes) Step 1: Foam Rolling (~5-6 minutes, same as Group 1) Step 2: Dynamic Stretching (~5-6 minutes)

   • Dynamic Piriformis Stretch: Standing knee-to-opposite-shoulder pull (10 reps per leg)
   • Leg Swings: Forward and sideways (10 reps each leg)
   • Walking Lunges with Rotation: 10 reps per leg
   • Hip Circles & Controlled Butt Kicks: 10 reps each

3. Cool-Down (2-3 minutes) Objective: Reduce muscle tension and promote recovery.

   • Seated Piriformis Stretch: 30 sec hold per side (2 sets)
   • Hamstring Stretch: 30 sec hold per leg
   • Lower Back Stretch (Child's Pose): 30 sec

Progression & Adjustments

• Gradual increase in duration or intensity as tolerated.
• Modify exercises if discomfort or pain occurs.
• After week 4, increase dynamic stretch duration if flexibility improves.

Outcome Measures

The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed through the following key outcome measures:

1. Pain Level - Evaluating changes in discomfort intensity during daily activities and movement.
2. Range of Motion (ROM) - Measuring improvements in hip flexibility and mobility.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Piriformis Syndrome
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Group A (Foam Rolling); Other: Group B (Foam rolling and Dynamic Stretching)

Detailed Description

To compare the combined effects of foam rolling and dynamic stretching in patients with piriformis syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 35-50 years diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome based on clinical findings. (Chang et al., 2024)
• Having positive FAIR test is commonly used to diagnose piriformis syndrome.
• Pain intensity of at least 4 on the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) at baseline(A Penichet-Tomas et al., 2021).

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA OF PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

The diagnostic criteria for piriformis syndrome include clinical history, physical examination findings. The symptoms include buttock pain radiating to the posterior thigh or leg, worsened by sitting, climbing stairs, or activities that stretch the piriformis muscle. Physical examination, tenderness over the piriformis muscle or sciatic notch and a positive FAIR test (Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation) are indicative. Additional tests, such as the Pace test and Straight Leg Raise with external rotation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of medications such as strong analgesics or muscle relaxants. (e.g., injections, surgery) within the last three months.
• Uncontrolled medical conditions, such as active infections, cancer, or cardiovascular issues that may interfere with the study or the participant's ability to complete the protocol safely(Alfonso Penichet-Tomas et al., 2021).
• History of lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or other serious lumbar spine pathologies that may cause similar symptoms.
• Prior surgeries in the lumbar spine, hip, or pelvis that may interfere with the study's outcomes(Pişirici et al., 2020).
• ASSESMENT TOOL
• Pain (NPRS): Pain will be measured using the NPRS (Numeric pain rating scale) which assesses the intensity of pain on a scale ranging from 0 no pain to 10 worst imaginable pain. Participants will report their pain levels at baseline and post-intervention to determine the efficacy of foam rolling and dynamic stretching.
• ROM (Goniometer):The piriformis muscle plays a crucial role in hip movement and stabilization. Its primary function is external rotation of the hip with a normal range of motion (ROM) of 0°-45°. Additionally, the piriformis assists in hip abduction with a typical range of 0°-45°. Interestingly, the piriformis also supports internal rotation with a normal ROM of 0°-35°. These movements are assessed using a goniometer to measure hip rotation, where improvements in internal and external rotation, as well as abduction ROM, indicate reduced piriformis tightness and enhanced hip flexibility
• SF-12 (QoL): The SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey) is a validated tool used to assess quality of life (QoL) across physical and mental health domains. It provides a concise yet comprehensive evaluation of functional limitations, pain, and overall well-being. Among individuals with piriformis syndrome, SF-12 can effectively measure the impact of pain and muscle tightness on daily activities and mental health.

Randomization: Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated method, ensuring that participants are randomly assigned to both groups. This process will minimize bias, and then half of the data will be allocated to each group for analysis.

Treatment Plan

Group A (Foam Rolling): Participants will use a foam roller to apply pressure to the piriformis muscle and surrounding areas, targeting tight spots and trigger points. This technique helps release muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain by using slow, controlled rolling motions that will last 5-10 minutes twice daily, 3 sessions per week for up to 8 weeks.

Group B (Foam rolling and Dynamic Stretching): Group B will receive foam rolling with dynamic stretching. Hot pack will be applied 5-3 min before rolling and dynamic stretching. The rolling helps release muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain by using slow, controlled rolling motions will last 5-10 minutes. The stretching routine will include exercises like hip swings, seated piriformis stretches, and Dynamic Figure-Four Stretch supine stretch. Each stretching session will last 10-15 minutes and will be conducted twice daily (3 days a week) for 8 weeks. This approach ensures gradual improvement in muscle flexibility and joint mobility while maintaining participant safety and comfort throughout the intervention. Ultrasound therapy will be applied after stretching.

Routine Physical Therapy

Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: Twice daily, 3 days a week Session Duration: 10-15 minutes per session

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab Province
    • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
      • University of Lahore Teaching Hospital

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 35-50 years diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome based on clinical findings. (Chang et al., 2024)
• Having positive FAIR test is commonly used to diagnose piriformis syndrome.
• Pain intensity of at least 4 on the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) at baseline(A Penichet-Tomas et al., 2021).

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA OF PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

The diagnostic criteria for piriformis syndrome include clinical history, physical examination findings. The symptoms include buttock pain radiating to the posterior thigh or leg, worsened by sitting, climbing stairs, or activities that stretch the piriformis muscle. Physical examination, tenderness over the piriformis muscle or sciatic notch and a positive FAIR test (Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation) are indicative. Additional tests, such as the Pace test and Straight Leg Raise with external rotation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of medications such as strong analgesics or muscle relaxants. (e.g., injections, surgery) within the last three months.
• Uncontrolled medical conditions, such as active infections, cancer, or cardiovascular issues that may interfere with the study or the participant's ability to complete the protocol safely(Alfonso Penichet-Tomas et al., 2021).
• History of lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or other serious lumbar spine pathologies that may cause similar symptoms.
• Prior surgeries in the lumbar spine, hip, or pelvis that may interfere with the study's outcomes(Pişirici et al., 2020).

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Group A (Foam Rolling): Participants will use a foam roller to apply pressure to the piriformis muscle and surrounding areas, targeting tight spots and trigger points. This technique helps release muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain by using slow, controlled rolling motions that will last 5-10 minutes twice daily, 3 sessions per week for up to 8 weeks.	Other: Group A (Foam Rolling); Foam Rolling Alone (FR) (~10 minutes); Piriformis Foam Rolling: 30-60 sec per side (2-3 sets); Glutes & Lower Back Foam Rolling: 30 sec each (2-3 sets); Hamstrings & IT Band Foam Rolling: 30 sec each (2-3 sets) Focus: Slow, controlled rolling with sustained pressure on tender spots.
Experimental: Group B (Foam rolling and Dynamic Stretching); Group B (Foam rolling and Dynamic Stretching): Group B will receive foam rolling with dynamic stretching. Hot pack will be applied 5-3 min before rolling and dynamic stretching. The rolling helps release muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain by using slow, controlled rolling motions will last 5-10 minutes. The stretching routine will include exercises like hip swings, seated piriformis stretches, and Dynamic Figure-Four Stretch supine stretch. Each stretching session will last 10-15 minutes and will be conducted twice daily (3 days a week) for 8 weeks. This approach ensures gradual improvement in muscle flexibility and joint mobility while maintaining participant safety and comfort throughout the intervention. Ultrasound therapy will be applied after stretching.	Other: Group B (Foam rolling and Dynamic Stretching); Dynamic Stretching (~5-6 minutes); Dynamic Piriformis Stretch: Standing knee-to-opposite-shoulder pull (10 reps per leg); Leg Swings: Forward and sideways (10 reps each leg); Walking Lunges with Rotation: 10 reps per leg; Hip Circles & Controlled Butt Kicks: 10 reps each3. Cool-Down (2-3 minutes) Objective: Reduce muscle tension and promote recovery.; Seated Piriformis Stretch: 30 sec hold per side (2 sets); Hamstring Stretch: 30 sec hold per leg; Lower Back Stretch (Child's Pose): 30 sec

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Goniometer	Range of motion will be measured using the Goniometer. Its primary function is external rotation of the hip with a normal range of motion (ROM) of 0°- 45°additionally, the piriformis assists in hip abduction with a typical range of 0°-45°. Interestingly, the piriformis also supports internal rotation with a normal ROM of 0°-35°.	At baseline, 4th week and 8th week
NPRS (Numeric pain rating scale)	Pain will be measured using the NPRS (Numeric pain rating scale) which assesses the intensity of pain on a scale ranging from 0 no pain to 10 worst imaginable pain. Participants will report their pain levels at baseline and post-intervention to determine the efficacy of foam rolling and dynamic stretching	Each outcome variable will be measured at baseline, mid-intervention and post-intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey)	The SF-12 (Short Form Health Survey) is a validated tool used to assess quality of life (QoL) across physical and mental health domains. It provides a concise yet comprehensive evaluation of functional limitations, pain, and overall well-being. Among individuals with piriformis syndrome, SF-12 can effectively measure the impact of pain and muscle tightness on daily activities and mental health (Zhou et al., 2024).	At baseline, 4th week and 8th week

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Lahore
• Investigators: Study Chair: Sana Akram, MS-OMPT, University of Lahore

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): October 31, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 25, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 2, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: November 30, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 30, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): December 11, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): December 11, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 30, 2025
• Last Verified: November 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Quality of life; foam rolling; piriformis muscle; dynamic stretching
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuralgia; Pelvic Pain; Mononeuropathies; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Sciatic Neuropathy; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Piriformis Muscle Syndrome; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Patient Care; Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Exercise; Muscle Stretching Exercises
• Other Study ID Numbers: UOL/IREB/25/09/0047

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No