Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mobilization and Myofascial Release Techniques in Patients With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is one of the major causes of chronic mechanical low back pain and is associated with pain, postural control impairment, and functional limitations. While manual therapy approaches are commonly used in the treatment of sacroiliac joint pain, evidence regarding the clinical superiority of different manual techniques is limited. This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of myofascial release techniques and sacroiliac joint mobilizations, applied in addition to a traditional physical therapy program, on pain intensity, spinal mobility, postural control, and functional status in diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The study plans to include female individuals aged 18-65 years with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥3 who have been diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction according to international diagnostic criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive traditional treatment combined with myofascial release techniques, while the other group will receive traditional treatment combined with sacroiliac joint mobilizations. Interventions will be performed three days per week for six weeks. Primary and secondary outcome measures will include pain intensity (VAS), postural control (Biodex Balance System), spinal mobility, and postural endurance (Spinal Mouse) assessments. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive traditional treatment combined with myofascial release techniques, while the other group will receive traditional treatment combined with sacroiliac joint mobilizations. Interventions will be performed three days a week for six weeks. Primary and secondary outcome measures will include pain intensity (VAS), postural control (Biodex Balance System), spinal mobility, and postural endurance (Spinal Mouse) assessments. All assessments will be conducted before treatment and at the end of the six-week intervention period. This study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of manual therapy approaches in the conservative treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and to contribute to clinical decision-making processes.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being a female individual between the ages of 18 and 65. * Having been diagnosed with sacroiliac joint dysfunction (according to the International Association for the Study of Pain criteria). * Having localized pain in the sacroiliac joint region and pain that may radiate to the hip, groin, or lower extremities. * Positivity in at least 3 out of 5 sacroiliac joint-specific provocation tests (Vorlauf, Gillet, irritation point positivity, posterior shear test, compression test). * Pain intensity of ≥3 as assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). * Volunteering to participate in the study and providing written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of surgery involving the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities. * Presence of lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or acute pathologies of the hip joint. * Diagnosis of piriformis syndrome or low back/hip pain originating from sources other than the sacroiliac joint. * Known central or peripheral nervous system disease or progressive neurological deficit. * History of rheumatological disease (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.). * Pregnancy or the presence of a serious systemic disease that could prevent participation in the study.