Effectiveness of Piriformis and Iliopsoas Stretching with Dry Needling Among Coccydynia Patients

Effectiveness of Piriformis and Iliopsoas Stretching with Dry Needling Among Coccydynia Patients

Authors

1. Jeniffer.A
Qualification: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

2. Dr. N. Senthil Kumar (Author)
Qualification: MPT(pediatrics) , Ph.D.
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

3. Dr. G.N.Jeslin (Corresponding Author)
Qualification: MPT(obstetrics and gynecology).
Affiliation: Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT:

Background:
Coccydynia is the term used to describe pain in the coccyx, or tailbone. Weight bearing, or sitting, makes the pain worse. Iliopsoas shortening can increase anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis, both of which can result in excessive pressures on the sacrum and coccyx. Iliopsoas and piriformis stretching can usually improve improper sacral loading and lumbo-pelvic posture. In this way, pressure and discomfort from sitting are reduced.

Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of piriformis and iliopsoas stretching with dry needling on subjects undergoing pain , shortening and tightness of piriformis and iliopsoas muscles among coccydynia patients.

Methodology:

This randomized controlled trial included 100 participants aged 18 years and above, assigned into two groups of 50. Subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned into two groups: Group A received dry needling combined with stretching of the Piriformis and Iliopsoas muscles, while Group B received conventional physiotherapy along with the same stretching protocol. Interventions were administered over a [insert duration, e.g., 4-week] period. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability, and hip flexion range of motion (ROM), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 100 participants were randomized into two groups of 50 each. Both groups showed significant improvement in pain, range of motion, and function after intervention. However, the group receiving Stretching with Dry Needling showed significantly greater reductions in pain (VAS), greater improvement in hip range of motion, and better functional outcomes compared to the Conventional Therapy group (p < 0.001). No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion:
Coccyx pain is one the persistent pain due to various causes trauma, childbirth and also due to abnormal coccyx movement.Hence,Both treatment approaches were effective, but stretching combined with dry needling led to significantly greater improvements in pain relief, range of motion, and functional outcomes compared to conventional therapy alone.