Strain-Counterstrain Versus Muscle Energy Technique In Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) can be cured with medical and physical therapy interventions. Standard physical therapy techniques include manual joint mobilization, manipulation, bracing, massage, patient education, aerobic training, general exercise, and electrotherapies such as heat, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation(TENS). In the physiotherapy context, an effective treatment strategy for unappreciated SIJD is needed. Currently, there are no guidelines or appropriate management plans for this dysfunction, physicians usually refer to it as low back pain alone, and physiotherapists treat the pain as low back pain (LBP). However, appropriate medical intervention or physical therapy may be carried out if the diagnosis is accurate. Furthermore, only a few studies tried to compare the effects of the various treatment approaches.

Strain-counterstain (SCS) consider an excellent choice for building patient thrust as the patient is held passively in a pain-free position. SCS can facilitate treatment for the patient who has experienced pain during a treatment session by using other manual therapy techniques such as manipulation and MET or specific core stability exercises to enhance force closure of SIJ.

SCS allows normalization of the tone of tight muscles involved in SIJ dysfunction which allows a significant improvement in recruitment of weak muscles, especially the gluteal group. SCS has shown its effectiveness in reducing pain or palpation tenderness over different musculoskeletal disorders such as acute/ chronic LBP, mechanical neck pain, and masseter trigger points.

SCS affects local circulations which lead to more nutrient supply, metabolic waste removal, and reverse ischemia that can manifest as painful tender points (TPs) or sustain dysfunction. Current literature lacks consensus on mechanisms, contributing factors, and treatment of SIJ dysfunction.

MET was advocated for the treatment of muscle imbalances in the lumbopelvic region, such as pelvic asymmetry. The theory behind MET assumes that the technique is used to correct asymmetry by targeting hamstring or hip flexor contractions on the painful side of the lower back and move the innominate in the proper direction. It is important to note, however, that evidence indicates that non-symptomatic individuals have also been shown to have pelvic asymmetries.