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Strain Counter-Strain vs Maitland Mobilization for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sponsor: University of Faisalabad
Summary
This randomized clinical trial compares two manual therapy techniques for treating sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a condition that causes lower back and buttock pain. The two techniques are strain counter-strain, an indirect positional release method, and Maitland mobilization grades II and III, a direct joint oscillation technique. Thirty-four participants aged 20 to 40 years with confirmed sacroiliac joint dysfunction will be randomly assigned to receive either strain counter-strain or Maitland mobilization three times per week for four weeks. Both groups will also receive a 10-minute moist hot pack before each treatment. Pain will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and functional limitation using the Modified Oswestry Disability Index at baseline and after four weeks. The study aims to determine which technique is more effective for reducing pain and improving function in this patient population.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Strain Counter-Strain Versus Maitland Mobilization Technique (Grade II and III) for Reducing Pain and Functional Limitation in Patients With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
34
Start Date
2026-02-01
Completion Date
2026-08-15
Last Updated
2026-08-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Strain Counter-Strain Technique
Strain counter-strain is an indirect manual therapy technique based on the proprioceptive hypothesis of somatic dysfunction. The therapist identifies tender points in the quadratus lumborum, piriformis, and erector spinae muscles. The patient is then placed in a comfortable position that reduces tension in the targeted muscle. This position is maintained for 90 seconds, after which the therapist passively returns the patient to the starting position. The procedure is repeated three times per muscle, with three sets per session. Treatment is provided three times per week for four weeks. A 10-minute moist hot pack is applied to the gluteal area before the technique begins.
Maitland Mobilization
Maitland mobilization is a manual therapy technique using passive oscillatory motions to treat joint pain and stiffness. The patient is positioned in prone lying. The therapist places hands centrally on the upper sacrum and applies pressure in a postero-anterior direction. Grade II (large amplitude, low intensity) is used for pain reduction in week one and early week two, with 3 to 4 sets of 30-second oscillations at 2 to 3 Hz. Grade III (large amplitude, high intensity) is introduced by the end of week two to improve stiffness and function, using 40-second sets at 2 to 3 Hz through weeks three and four. One Grade II session is added in week four to maintain pain relief. Treatment is provided three times per week for four weeks. A 10-minute moist hot pack is applied to the gluteal area before mobilization begins.
Locations (1)
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan