Comparative Effects of Kinesiotherapy vs. Proprioceptive-Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) Therapy on Pain Relief and Functional Recovery in Patients with Sciatica: A Clinical Study

Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those associated with chronic or subacute sciatica, remain a signifiant cause of disability worldwide. Conventional rehabilitation programs such as kinesiotherapy (K) focus on restoring mobility and strength, while newer approaches like Proprioceptive–Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) therapy target dysfunctional neuromuscular pathways. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of K and P-DTR therapies on pain and functional recovery. Thirty patients (mean age 45.2 ± 8.2 years) with with chronic/subacute sciatica or low back pain were subdivided into two homogeneous groups: K and P-DTR in a prospective observational comparative study. Each intervention was applied three times per week for six weeks. Pain intensity (VAS), flexibility (Lasegue Test, Fingertipss-to-Floor Test, Schober Test), and neural tension (Slump Test) were assessed before and after treatment. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U Tests (p < 0.05) and Wilcoxon signed-rank. Both groups showed significant reductions in pain and improvements in flexibility (p < 0.001). The P-DTR Group demonstrated greater gains in pain reduction (ΔVAS = –6 vs. –4) and neural mobility (ΔLasegue = +32° vs. +15°) compared with the K Group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Both kinesiotherapy and P-DTR effectively improved pain and function, but P-DTR produced superior outcomes. These findings suggest that integrating P-DTR into standard rehabilitation protocols can enhance neuromuscular re-education and functional recovery in patients with sciatica.