Dry Needling and Fascial Manipulation Techniques in Plantar Fasciitis.

Summary

The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate whether Fascial Manipulation (FM) or Dry Needling (DN) can effectively reduce pain, improve functional mobility, and enhance range of motion (ROM) in individuals with chronic Plantar Fasciitis (PF) aged 25-45 years

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does Fascial Manipulation significantly reduce pain intensity in patients with chronic Plantar Fasciitis?
* Does Dry Needling provide comparable or superior improvements in functional mobility and ankle-foot ROM compared to Fascial Manipulation?

Researchers will compare the Fascial Manipulation group to the Dry Needling group to determine which intervention is more effective in improving pain and functional outcomes in chronic PF.

Participants will:

Receive either Fascial Manipulation or Dry Needling interventions according to their assigned group.

Attend treatment sessions twice a week for six weeks.

Undergo baseline, mid, and post-intervention assessments of pain (VAS-100scale), functional mobility (FFI), diagnostic (PFPS, Windlass, and ankle-foot range of motion (goniometric measurements).

Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis of Both Feet

Interventions

OTHER

Fascial Manipulation + Conventional PT

Fascial Manipulation (FM) targets myofascial dysfunction by applying deep manual pressure to densified fascial layers involved in chronic pain and mobility restrictions. The following techniques will be used: * Fascial Release Techniques: This technique will target Plantar fascia, gastrocnemius, soleus, Achilles tendon, and intrinsic foot muscles * Myofascial Stretching: Passive ankle dorsiflexion with toe extension to stretch the plantar fascia and posterior chain Conventional Exercises: Hot pack before fascial manipulation for 10 mins, stretching Exercises (Plantar Fascia Stretch, gastrocnemius stretch, soleus Stretch, towel stretch) and strengthening Exercises (Toe curls, resisted ankle dorsiflexion with resistance band, heel raises). Total duration is 2 sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks

OTHER

Dry Needling + Conventional PT

Dry Needling: Dry needling (DN) is an effective technique for releasing myofascial trigger points, reducing pain and improving muscle function. The following protocol will be used: The targeted areas are: (plantar fascia, gastrocnemius (medial \& lateral heads), soleus, tibialis posterior) Sterile monofilament needles (0.30 mm x 30 mm) will be used. The needle will be inserted perpendicularly into trigger points by Piston (rapid in and out technique). Duration will be done twice a week for 6 weeks. Conventional Exercises: Ice therapy after dry needling to overcome soreness, stretching Exercises (Plantar Fascia Stretch, gastrocnemius stretch, soleus Stretch, towel stretch) and strengthening Exercises (Toe curls, resisted ankle dorsiflexion with resistance band, heel raises). Total duration is 2 sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• hafsa Siddiqui, MSOMPT · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

25 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-10-01

Primary Completion

2026-03-02

Completion

2026-03-02

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations