Abstract

Background: Manual soft-tissue techniques are frequently used for plantar fasciitis, but direct comparative evidence for instrument-assisted and manual compressive approaches is limited.

Objective: To compare the short-term effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and compressive myofascial release (CMR) on pain, ankle range of motion, and foot-related function in adults with plantar fasciitis.

Methods: Fifty adults aged 40-60 years with clinically diagnosed plantar fasciitis, a positive Windlass test, and a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of at least 3 were allocated by odd/even OPD sequence to IASTM plus cryotherapy (Group A; n=25) or CMR plus cryotherapy (Group B; n=25). Each intervention was delivered in three sessions over one week. NPRS, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores were recorded at baseline and after one week. Within-group changes were examined with paired t tests and between-group differences with independent t tests.

Results: Both groups improved significantly in pain, dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and FFI scores. At one week, Group A had lower NPRS scores than Group B (3.44+/-0.82 versus 5.20+/-1.12; mean difference -1.76, 95% CI -2.32 to -1.20; p<0.001), greater dorsiflexion (18.88+/-1.51 degrees versus 17.64+/-2.02 degrees; mean difference 1.24 degrees, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.25; p=0.018), and lower FFI scores (51.96+/-6.28 versus 58.32+/-5.61; mean difference -6.36, 95% CI -9.75 to -2.97; p<0.001). Post-treatment plantarflexion did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.474).

Conclusion: Both approaches produced short-term improvement. IASTM was associated with larger reductions in pain and foot-related disability and a modestly greater dorsiflexion gain. These preliminary findings require confirmation in adequately concealed, assessor-blinded trials with longer follow-up and exercise-based co-interventions.