Effectiveness of myofascial release technique vs therapeutic ultrasound in the management of plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot disorder in which patients have pain and tenderness at the sole of the foot. Rest, exercises, orthotics, taping, cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, whirlpool bath, and iontophoresis have been widely used to relieve plantar pain. Long term use of manual therapy techniques like myofascial release technique have been used in the past to reduce pain and improve ankle range of motion. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effectiveness of myofascial release technique VS ultrasound on pain response and ankle flexibility in plantar fasciitis.

Material and methodology

A total of 30 participants with plantar fasciitis were randomly allocated to Group A (myofascial release group) and Group B (ultrasound group). Therapeutic ultrasound with intensity of 1W/cm2 and frequency of 1MHz for 5 min was given for a single session to all the patients and then given the manual techniques. Visual analogue scale and FFI were outcome measures that were assessed pre- post-interventional.

Results

The study demonstrated statistical significant reduction in pain, in both groups. FFI showed significant improvement in Group A (MFR) as compared to Group B (US).

Conclusion

Use of manual techniques like myofascial release therapy is more effective than therapeutic ultrasound alone on reducing pain and improving ankle flexibility in patients with plantar fasciitis.