About this trial
The piriformis muscle can be a contributing factor to low back pain (LBP) due to its anatomical proximity to the sciatic nerve and sacroiliac joint. When the piriformis becomes tight or irritated, it may compress or irritate the sciatic nerve-a condition often referred to as piriformis syndrome-leading to pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttock and down the leg.
The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effectiveness of massage therapy in counteracting symptoms of low back pain (LBP) among healthcare workers. The main question it aims to answer is:
\- Can massage of the piriformis muscle and related musculature effectively reduce symptoms in individuals experiencing LBP linked to myofascial or neuromuscular dysfunction?
Massage therapy targeting the piriformis and associated muscles (e.g., gluteus maximus, medius, and deep hip rotators) can help by:
* Reducing muscle tension and spasms, * Improving local blood circulation, * Alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve, * Restoring hip mobility and muscle balance.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Adult healthcare workers
Aged 30-65 years with chronic nonspecific low back pain for ≥3 months
No medical contraindications to massage therapy
Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25 kg/m²
Disqualifiers
Massage therapy within the past 3 months
Contraindications to massage therapy
Ongoing physical therapy
Significant medical or psychiatric conditions
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Guidline-basaed massage therapy
- Swedish massage