Determining the efficacy of self-myofascial release technique versus muscle energy technique in sacroiliac pain management: a clinical trial protocol

Pain Manag. 2026 Apr 28:1-10. doi: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2664769. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aims to compare self-myofascial release with the muscle energy technique for sacroiliac pain.

METHODOLOGY: Forty patients with sacroiliac pain who fulfil the eligibility criteria and provide written informed consent will be recruited from a tertiary care hospital for a two-group pre-post experimental study design. After noting the demographic details, subjects will be randomized using a computerized randomization method. Group A will receive the self-myofascial release technique, and Group B will receive the Muscle Energy Technique. Conventional treatment will also be given in both groups. Both interventions will be administered for a period of 2 weeks. Primary Outcome measures will include pain (Visual Analog scale), pressure-pain threshold (Pressure Algometer), and Function. The Secondary Outcome includes Leg Length Discrepancy and Quality of life (EuroQol-5 Dimension). All outcomes will be recorded at baseline, at the end of 2 weeks and after 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This trial will expand our understanding of the use of the self-myofascial release technique and Muscle Energy Technique in treating patients with sacroiliac pain, and inform the development of a tailored protocol for manual therapy interventions in these patient care settings.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials identifier is CTRI/2025/07/090693 (Version 1.0-10 July 2025).

PMID:42046878 | DOI:10.1080/17581869.2026.2664769