Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Techniques versus Hip-strengthening Exercise along with Static Stretching in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release techniques versus hip-strengthening exercises along with static stretching in patients with plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out at Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak. The study comprised 76 patients with 38 in each group. Group A received myofascial release technique, whereas Group B received gluteal muscle-strengthening exercises with static stretching of the hamstring and calf muscles along with ultrasonic therapy exercise followed by cryotherapy. The pain was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and lower limb functions were measured using the foot function test. Results: Gluteal muscle strengthening when combined with static stretching exercises reduced heel pain and improved lower limb function, but was not as considerable when compared to myofascial release techniques. There was a statistically significant difference between the results of both the groups at baseline, at the end of the 2nd week, or at the end of the 4th week in pain/disability/range of motion and quadriceps muscle strength values. Conclusion: Myofascial release therapeutic interventions are much more effective than other therapeutic interventions in terms of pain reduction and functional disability improvement in patients with plantar fasciitis, which in addition leads to increased muscle strength and remarkable changes in joint range of motion.

Keywords

• hip-strengthening exercise
• myofascial release techniques
• plantar fasciitis