Effect of Class IV LASER Therapy as an Adjunct to Conventional Physical Therapy on Piriformis Syndrome: A Case Report

Piriformis syndrome is a clinical condition characterised by the entrapment of sciatic nerve beneath the piriformis muscle, resulting in non discogenic sciatica. This syndrome is often neglected despite its capacity to induce considerable pain and functional impairments. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management of such conditions, providing customised interventions aimed at symptom alleviation and functional restoration. Class IV Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) therapy has surfaced as a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. LASER therapy possesses the potential to effectively mitigate pain associated with piriformis syndrome while enhancing patient outcomes. Hereby, the authors present a case study involving a 27-year-old male patient who reported experiencing pain in the right hip region. He exhibited an antalgic gait and faced difficulties with daily activities due to the intensity of pain. The outcome measures comprised evaluations of hip Range of Motion (ROM), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI). Following two weeks of consistent physiotherapy interventions and one week of subsequent follow-up, the patient demonstrated a notable reduction in pain, allowing him to return to normal activities. The present findings substantiate the efficacy and safety of Class IV LASER therapy as a non invasive intervention for the treatment of patients with piriformis syndrome, with no adverse effects observed in both the short and long-term.