Comparative Effects of Myofascial Release and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Moblization in Pregnant Women With Plantar Fasciitis

Summary

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by heel pain and functional limitations, which may become more pronounced during pregnancy due to weight gain, hormonal changes, and altered biomechanics. Conservative physiotherapy interventions are commonly used to manage symptoms; however, evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of different manual therapy techniques in pregnant women remains limited.

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of Myofascial Release (MFR) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on pain intensity and foot function in pregnant women diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. A total of 44 pregnant women aged 20-40 years in their second or third trimester will be recruited and randomly allocated into two treatment groups. Both groups will receive baseline treatment consisting of therapeutic ultrasound, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching exercises, tibialis anterior strengthening, and a home exercise program. In addition, Group A will receive Myofascial Release, while Group B will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.

The intervention will be delivered over a period of four weeks, with three supervised sessions per week. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while foot-related pain, disability, and functional limitations will be measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and after completion of the intervention.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the most effective manual therapy approach for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in pregnant women suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Myofascial Release (MFR)

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique aimed at reducing fascial restrictions, improving tissue mobility, and alleviating pain. Participants will receive MFR targeting the plantar fascia, medial calcaneal region, gastrocnemius-soleus complex, and intrinsic foot muscles. Techniques include longitudinal fascial release, thumb or knuckle gliding, sustained pressure, cross-fiber friction, deep longitudinal sweeping, and myofascial spreading. Treatment will be administered for 30 minutes per session, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions total), in addition to conventional physiotherapy consisting of therapeutic ultrasound, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and a home exercise program.

PROCEDURE

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique that utilizes specialized stainless-steel instruments to identify and treat soft tissue restrictions. Participants will receive IASTM over the plantar fascia, calcaneal insertion, Achilles tendon, gastrocnemius, soleus, and intrinsic foot muscles. Techniques include longitudinal sweeping strokes, cross-fiber strumming, edge-loading techniques, adhesion-targeting strokes, and fascial spreading. Treatment will be administered for 30 minutes per session, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions total), in addition to conventional physiotherapy consisting of therapeutic ultrasound, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and a home exercise program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Fatima Altaf, MSPTWH · The University of Lahore, Lahore

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-06-30

Primary Completion

2026-07-30

Completion

2026-07-31

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations