Efficacy of Craniosacral Therapy in the management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often resulting in functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy, including stretching, strengthening, ultrasound therapy, and patient education, has been widely used in its management. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle manual therapy technique that aims to release fascial restrictions and restore balance in the craniosacral system, which may influence musculoskeletal structures through fascial and neural connections. However, its role in plantar fasciitis management remains underexplored.

The present randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of craniosacral therapy in addition to conventional physiotherapy compared to conventional physiotherapy alone. Individuals clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis will be screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible participants will provide informed consent and will then be randomly allocated into two groups using a computer-generated randomization method.

Group A will receive CST along with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B will receive only conventional physiotherapy. Each intervention session will last 40–45 minutes and will be conducted three times per week for two consecutive weeks, totaling six sessions.

Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after two weeks. These will include pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), foot function (Foot Function Index), ankle range of motion (goniometer), and muscle strength of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius–soleus (Manual Muscle Testing). All assessments will be carried out by a blinded assessor.

This trial will help determine whether craniosacral therapy provides additional benefit over conventional physiotherapy in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in individuals with plantar fasciitis.