This article is adapted from a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) research project conducted by Tang Siew Wai under the Therapeutic Massage and Care programme (NOSS MP-082-4:2012). The study was supervised by Mr. Low Chee Kiat and completed in March 2026.
This research reflects the professional training and clinical standards emphasized by Tim Bodycare Training Centre, which served as a guiding platform for structured therapeutic practice. The study aligns with NOSS requirements and demonstrates the application of evidence-based massage techniques in managing neuromuscular conditions.
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, resulting in deep gluteal pain and radiating discomfort along the posterior thigh. This study evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic massage in reducing pain and improving functional mobility among individuals experiencing this condition. Using a quantitative pre-test and post-test design, 30 participants underwent a structured programme consisting of 12 massage sessions over a four-week period. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while functional mobility and muscle tenderness were also assessed. The findings revealed a significant reduction in pain levels alongside improvements in movement and muscle condition, supporting therapeutic massage as an effective and non-invasive intervention.
Piriformis syndrome is a condition that affects the deep muscles of the gluteal region, where the piriformis muscle plays an essential role in hip stability and movement. When this muscle becomes tight, inflamed, or dysfunctional, it may compress the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms such as deep buttock pain, radiating discomfort down the leg, and difficulty with sitting or movement. As described in the study’s introduction (pages 1–2), the condition is often associated with prolonged sitting, repetitive lower limb use, muscular imbalance, and poor posture, and is sometimes misinterpreted as a spinal-related issue due to overlapping symptoms.
In clinical practice, therapeutic massage has long been used as a conservative method to manage muscle tension and soft tissue dysfunction. By improving circulation, reducing tightness, and relieving trigger points, massage therapy offers a practical approach to reducing nerve compression and restoring functional movement. Despite its widespread use, there has been limited structured evaluation specifically focused on piriformis syndrome, making this study particularly relevant in strengthening evidence-based practice.
The study employed a quantitative pre-test and post-test design involving 30 participants who presented symptoms consistent with piriformis syndrome. Participants were selected based on defined inclusion criteria and completed a full course of treatment consisting of 12 massage sessions conducted over approximately four weeks. Each session lasted between 30 to 45 minutes and focused on the piriformis muscle, gluteal region, and surrounding soft tissues.
A range of therapeutic massage techniques was applied, including effleurage to stimulate circulation, petrissage to release muscle tension, and friction techniques to address trigger points and adhesions. Assessments were carried out before and after the intervention using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure pain intensity, alongside evaluations of functional movement and muscle tenderness through palpation. This structured approach allowed for a clear comparison of participant conditions before and after treatment.
The findings of the study demonstrate a clear and significant improvement in both pain and functional outcomes. According to the data presented on page 22, the mean pain score decreased from 7.1 before treatment to 3.5 after the intervention, indicating a substantial reduction in perceived pain levels. This improvement is further supported by the distribution charts on pages 20 and 21, where the majority of participants initially fell within the moderate to severe pain categories, but shifted toward mild or no pain after completing the treatment programme.
The participant data table on pages 15–16 also shows consistent individual improvements, with all participants recording lower pain scores after the intervention. This consistency suggests that the treatment was effective across different individuals, regardless of variations in initial pain levels. In addition to pain reduction, participants reported noticeable improvements in daily function. Activities such as sitting for extended periods, walking, and performing hip movements became more comfortable, reflecting enhanced functional mobility.
Muscle palpation findings further reinforce these outcomes. As described on pages 23–24, pre-treatment assessments revealed significant muscle tightness, trigger points, and tenderness in the piriformis region. Following the intervention, these symptoms were markedly reduced, with participants showing improved muscle relaxation and minimal tenderness. These changes indicate that therapeutic massage not only alleviated symptoms but also addressed the underlying soft tissue dysfunction.
The results highlight the strong relationship between piriformis syndrome and muscular tension, particularly within the deep gluteal region. By targeting these structures directly, therapeutic massage was able to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore more normal movement patterns. The improvement observed across multiple outcome measures suggests that the intervention was effective not only in reducing pain but also in improving overall functional capacity.
An important observation from the study is the cumulative effect of treatment. While some improvements were noticeable in earlier sessions, more substantial changes occurred after repeated treatments, indicating that consistency plays a critical role in recovery. This aligns with clinical understanding that chronic muscular conditions require structured and ongoing intervention rather than isolated treatment.
The findings also support the broader role of therapeutic massage in neuromuscular rehabilitation. By combining physical relief with improved movement confidence, massage therapy contributes to both physical and psychological recovery, reinforcing its value as a holistic treatment approach.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that therapeutic massage is an effective and practical intervention for managing piriformis syndrome. The treatment significantly reduced pain intensity, improved functional mobility, and decreased muscle tension among participants. As a non-invasive and evidence-based approach, therapeutic massage offers a valuable solution for individuals experiencing sciatic-related discomfort caused by muscular dysfunction.
These findings support the integration of therapeutic massage into rehabilitation strategies for piriformis syndrome, particularly as a first-line conservative treatment. With consistent application and proper technique, it has the potential to improve both short-term relief and long-term musculoskeletal health.
Philippines
