Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy versus Maitland Mobilization On Pain and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Authors

  • Hifza Riaz Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Yasir Ali Kazmi Physical therapy department, Shahida Islam Medical Complex, Lodhran, Pakistan
  • Asha United College of Physical Therapy, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Sidra Khaliq PAEC General Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Zeeshan Ahmad Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of South Asia, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Hanan Azfar Physiotherapy Department, Medline Healthcare, Gujranwala, Pakistan
  • Zarish Younas Johar Institute of Professional Studies, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55735/hjprs.v5i2.339

Keywords:

Low back pain, Maitland mobilization, Rehabilitation, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

Abstract

Background: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. Various conservative interventions, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy and Maitland mobilisation, are used to manage sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus Maitland mobilisation on pain and functional outcomes in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Methodology: A randomised clinical trial was conducted on 26 individuals diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, recruited from Moeen Physiotherapy and Rehman Physiotherapy clinic in Faisalabad. The sample size was calculated using G*Power 3.1.9.4. Participants aged 30-50 years with a clinical diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction confirmed by provocative tests and imaging were included. Those with previous spinal surgery, inflammatory joint diseases, or neurological disorders were excluded. Received focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (0.2-0.4 mJ/mm2, 2000 pulses per session) thrice a week for four weeks. Underwent graded Maitland mobilisation sessions targeting the sacroiliac joint, three times per week for four weeks. Visual Analog Scale 0-10 and Oswestry Disability Index 0-100% were utilized as assessment tools. The study duration was  March 2023 to September 2024. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores post-treatment (p<0.05). However, the shock wave therapy group exhibited a more significant reduction in pain scores (Visual Analog Scale: 6.8±1.2 to 2.3±0.9, p=0.01) and functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index: 42.5%±6.4 to 18.2%±4.3, p=0.02) compared to the Maitland mobilisation group (Visual Analog Scale: 6.6±1.1 to 3.5±1.2, Oswestry Disability Index: 43.1%±6.7 to 24.5%±5.1, p=0.03). Conclusion: Both shock wave therapy and Maitland mobilisation effectively reduce pain and improve function in sacroiliac joint dysfunction patients, but shock wave therapy provides superior pain relief and functional recovery.

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Published

05/18/2025

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Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy versus Maitland Mobilization On Pain and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. (2025). The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5(2), 50-55. https://doi.org/10.55735/hjprs.v5i2.339

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