Strain-Counterstrain Treatment of Piriformis Pain
Sponsor: Loma Linda University
This observational or N/A phase trial investigates Low Back Pain, Mechanical and Piriformis Syndrome and is currently actively recruiting participants. Loma Linda University leads this study, which shows 13 recorded versions since 2026 — indicating substantial longitudinal coverage. The change history captured here reflects the iterative nature of clinical trial conduct.
Study Description(click to expand)There are two arms to the study: treatment and sham. The treatment group will receive strain-counterstrain for the piriformis muscle. The sham group will receive strain-counterstrain treatment for the hamstring muscle.
There will be two treatments, 1-2 weeks apart ideally.
Participants will fill out the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire before the first treatment and after the second treatment (which is 1-2 weeks after the first treatment).
Participants will also identify pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after each treatment. Participants will identify pain at rest prior to treatment using VAS. Participant will then identify pain at the start of treatment while pressure is applied to the piriformis muscle (4.5kg/cm2) and post treatment while pressure is applied to the piriformis muscle (4.5 kg/cm2).
An algometer will be used pre and post each treatment (2 treatments that are 1-2 weeks apart) to objectively measure any change in pain pressure threshold.
There are two arms to the study: treatment and sham. The treatment group will receive strain-counterstrain for the piriformis muscle. The sham group will receive strain-counterstrain treatment for the hamstring muscle.
There will be two treatments, 1-2 weeks apart ideally.
Participants will fill out the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire before the first treatment and after the second treatment (which is 1-2 weeks after the first treatment).
Participants will also identify pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after each treatment. Participants will identify pain at rest prior to treatment using VAS. Participant will then identify pain at the start of treatment while pressure is applied to the piriformis muscle (4.5kg/cm2) and post treatment while pressure is applied to the piriformis muscle (4.5 kg/cm2).
An algometer will be used pre and post each treatment (2 treatments that are 1-2 weeks apart) to objectively measure any change in pain pressure threshold.
Status Flow
Change History
13 versions recorded-
Apr 28, 2026 — Present [daily]
Recruiting
Phase: NA → None
-
Nov 2025 — Apr 2026 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
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Jul 2025 — Nov 2025 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
-
Apr 2025 — Jul 2025 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
-
Sep 2024 — Apr 2025 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
▶ Show 8 earlier versions
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Jul 2024 — Sep 2024 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
-
Apr 2024 — Jul 2024 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
-
Nov 2023 — Apr 2024 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
-
Mar 2023 — Nov 2023 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
Status: Not Yet Recruiting → Recruiting
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Jun 2022 — Mar 2023 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
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Feb 2022 — Jun 2022 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
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Oct 2021 — Feb 2022 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
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Sep 2021 — Oct 2021 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
First recorded
Eligibility Summary
The purpose of this investigator-initiated study is to provide an efficient and non-invasive treatment option for pain caused by the piriformis muscle.
Contact Information
- Loma Linda University
For direct contact, visit the study record on ClinicalTrials.gov .