Objective

2

To observe the clinical efficacy of accompanied needling at Huantiao (GB30) as an adjunctive therapy for piriformis syndrome (PS).

Methods

2

A total of 76 PS patients were randomly divided into an observation group(38 cases

1 case dropped out

1 case was eliminated) and a control group (38 cases

2 cases dropped out). Both groups received routine acupuncture combined with shock wave along meridians. In the observation group

accompanied needling was adopted

Huantiao (GB30) on the affected side and 2

cun

medial to Huantiao (GB30) were selected. Both groups received treatment once daily

with one treatment course consisting of 5 consecutive days

a total of 2 courses were required

with a 2-day break betw

een courses. Before and after treatment

the score of piriformis muscle symptoms and signs

as well as the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score were compared in both groups. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to assess the thickness of the piriformis muscle before and after treatment in both groups

and clinical efficacy was compared.

Results

2

After treatment

the scores of each item of piriformis muscle symptoms and signs

as well as the total score were reduced compared with those before treatment in both groups (

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.05). After treatment

the piriformis muscle tension test

piriformis muscle tenderness test

hip pain score and total score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05). After treatment

the piriformis muscle thickness and pain VAS scores in the two groups were reduced compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.01)

and the indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05). The change rate of piriformis muscle thickness in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (

P

<

0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 97.2% (35/36)

which was higher than 86.1%(31/36) in the control group (

P

<

0.01).

Conclusion

2

Accompanied needling at Huantiao (GB30) as an adjunctive therapy for PS can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms

improve the structure and function of piriformis muscle.