The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Joint Manipulations in Functional Improvements and Pain Reduction in Patients With Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Clinical scenario: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a type of low back pain, affecting roughly 15% to 30% of patient cases. Pain management is essential for improving function and quality of life in these patients. However, due to the complexity of the anatomy and the innervations surrounding the SIJ, there is limited consensus on the most effective treatment for SIJ pain, resulting in variable approaches to pain management. Common interventions for SIJ pain include muscle energy techniques (MET) and joint manipulations, both are known for their ability to improve function and reduce pain.

Clinical question: In adults with SIJ pain, are joint manipulations or METs more effective in improving function AND reducing pain?

Summary of key findings: Both MET and joint manipulations are effective in treating SIJ pain. The current literature revealed a lack of evidence regarding the sole utilization of MET or manipulation in being more effective in improving function and reducing pain in adults with SIJ pain.

Clinical bottom line: The evidence indicates that both MET and joint manipulations effectively reduce pain and improve function in patients with SIJ pain. However, the literature does not consistently favor one method over the other. Using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence 2 studies are level 2 and on study is level 3, suggesting that both treatments can be beneficial.

Strength of recommendation: According to the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy, a grade of C is recommended, indicating that there is fair evidence that is inconclusive but suggests that both treatments can be beneficial.