The Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Versus Traditional Physiotherapy Techniques for Plantar Fasciitis Among Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is characterized by degenerative changes and irritation at the origin of the plantar fascia, primarily involving the medial calcaneal tuberosity and the surrounding perifascial soft tissues. Common causes include overuse from activities such as running, prolonged standing, or walking on hard surfaces, which can lead to small tears in the fascia. Other contributing factors include wearing unsupportive footwear, obesity, and foot conditions such as pes planus or cavus.

Methods: Fifty-eight subjects with plantar fasciitis were selected and randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups underwent an intervention. The intervention group received myofascial release, while those in the traditional group received calf stretching. Both interventions were administered three sessions per week for 8 weeks. The Functional Foot Index (FFI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were used to assess outcomes before and after the intervention. The significance of the changes observed before and after the intervention was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Result: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a significant reduction in NPRS following both the interventional therapy (Z = −4.898, p < 0.001) and traditional therapy (Z = −4.522, p < 0.001). The Mann–Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between groups at baseline (p = 0.77); however, a significant difference was observed post-intervention (p = 0.002), favoring interventional therapy. Effect sizes for the NPRS were r = 0.32 (small) at baseline and r = 0.58 (large) post-intervention. Similarly, FFI scores demonstrated a significant post-intervention difference between groups (p = 0.005), with effect sizes of r = 0.39 (small) at baseline and r = 0.52 (large) post-intervention.

Conclusion: According to the study, myofascial release helps individuals with plantar fasciitis by improving function and reducing pain and disability, with no reported adverse effects. This technique appears to be a more effective treatment than traditional physiotherapy, thereby strengthening the evidence base for physical therapy protocols.