Combined Effect of Static Openers and Sciatic Nerve Mobilisation on Pain, Range of Motion and Lower Extremity Functions in an Individual with Piriformis Syndrome: A Case Report

Published: June 1, 2026 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2026/88304.23499

Apoorva Saini, Mandeep Kumar Jangra, Kanupriya, Akanksha Saxena

1. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ambala, Haryana, India. 2. Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ambala, Haryana, India. 3. Postgraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ambala, Haryana, India. 4. Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ambala, Haryana, India.

Correspondence
Dr. Akanksha Saxena,
Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ambala-133207, Haryana, India.
E-mail: akankshasaxena623@gmail.com

Piriformis Syndrome (PS) is defined as an impingement of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, resulting in buttock pain, sciatica-like symptoms, or both. Various physiotherapeutic interventions are used for its management, such as sciatic nerve mobilisation, strengthening of the hip abductors, extensors, and external rotators, and electrotherapy modalities including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Therapy (IFT), however, none have been proven to provide long-term effects. Static openers are novel techniques that facilitate canal opening and create space for compressed nerves. A 24-year-old female presented to the Outpatient Department (OPD) with complaints of pain in gluteal region radiating till right posterior side of knee from past six days. On assessment, special tests such as Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test, Beatty, and Flexion, Adduction, Internal Rotation (FAIR) test of right-side were positive with restriction in Hip Internal and External Range Of Motion (ROM) making a diagnosis of PS. Sciatic nerve mobilisation was performed for three sets of 30-40 repetitions (2 minutes/set) with a one-minute rest between sets, while static openers were given for 30 seconds to one minute, four days/week. Baseline and postintervention, improvements were observed on pain by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (8 to 5), Pain pressure threshold of piriformis muscle reduced (2.20 to 2.10), Hip IR (32° to 36°), ER (43° to 48°), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) (25 to 35). This case report concludes that combining static openers with sciatic nerve mobilisation might serve as an effective intervention in managing PS.

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