Effects of myofascial releasing for piriformis on pain, depression and quality of life in non-specific low back pain patients

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of myofascial releasing on pain, depression and quality of life in non-specific low back pain and piriformis syndrome patients. In total 54 individuals were included in the study. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups being practice group (n=27) and control group (n=27). The individuals participating in the study received 25 minutes of conventional physiotherapy five times a week for two weeks, while the individuals in the application group received an additional 20 minutes of myofascial release to the piriformis muscle. Piriformis palpation test, active piriformis test, flexion, adduction, internal rotation test (FAIR), visual analog scale (VAS), back pain functional scale (FBAS), oswestry scale, hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) and short form 36 (SF-36) were applied to individuals. Measurements were repeated two times as before and after the practice. There was meaningful difference between pre-test and post-test in favor of the experimental group terms of piriformis tests, VAS, FBAS and SF-36 of individuals (p>0,05). There was no meaningful difference between pre-test post-test of HADS and oswestry scale (p>0,05). In this study, it was found that myofascial release methods are an effective method for relaxing piriformis muscle in non-specific low back pain, reducing pain, increasing quality of life by decreasing the level of disability. We consider that the use of myofascial release methods in individuals with non-specific low back pain and piriformis syndrome will contribute to the treatment processes of individuals in terms of pain and functionality.