EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE ON PAIN MODULATION IN PATIENT SUFFERING FROM SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION

Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition significantly impacting quality of life. One of the primary contributors to LBP is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD), which results from abnormal joint movement or misalignment. SIJD often leads to radiating pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, and is frequently misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other lumbar spine disorders. Conventional treatment methods, including pharmacological interventions, physical therapy, and surgical options, offer varying degrees of success but fail to address the root cause of dysfunction effectively. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative therapy aimed at improving joint alignment, neuromuscular control, and functional mobility. However, its effectiveness in managing SIJD remains underexplored.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MET in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in SIJD patients. Specifically, it compares the impact of MET on pain levels (Visual Analog Scale - VAS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index - ODI), and functional mobility (Functional Movement Screen - FMS) against conventional therapy methods.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 60 participants diagnosed with SIJD. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (MET therapy) or a control group (conventional physiotherapy). Both groups underwent twice-weekly sessions for four weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using VAS, ODI, and FMS scores. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests to compare within-group and between-group differences, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain and disability levels in the intervention group. Post-intervention VAS scores significantly decreased in the MET group (p = 0.001), indicating superior pain relief compared to the control group. ODI scores also showed significant improvement (p = 0.001), suggesting enhanced functional capacity. FMS scores improved in the MET group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating a potential limitation in METs immediate impact on functional mobility.

Conclusion: The study  findings suggest that MET is an effective intervention for reducing pain and disability in SIJD patients, outperforming conventional physiotherapy in these areas. While MET showed promising improvements in mobility, further research is needed to assess its long-term effects on functional movement. Given its non-invasive nature, MET may serve as a valuable addition to rehabilitation protocols, providing a patient-centered approach for managing SIJD with reduced reliance on pharmacological and surgical interventions.Clinical Implications: The integration of MET into clinical practice could enhance pain management strategies, improve functional independence, and reduce disability associated with SIJD. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes, optimal treatment protocols, and potential benefits of MET in broader musculoskeletal disorders.