comparing the effects of active release technique versus positional release technique in patients with plantar fasciitis

Title: Comparing the effects of Active release technique versusPositional release technique in subjects with Plantar Fasciitis.

Introduction:

Plantar fasciitis is oneof the most common causes of foot pain. Over the years plantar fasciitisis been treated with rest, stretching, myofascial release, etc. Alsoelectrotherapeutic modalities in the form of ultrasound, phonophoresis, laser,microwave diathermy, iontophoresis, cryotherapy, contrast bath have been givenin the past.

Active ReleaseTechniques (ART) is a soft-tissue technique that locates and breaks down thescar tissue and adhesions which cause pain, stiffness, weakness, abnormalsensations, including mechanical dysfunction in the muscles, fascia, and softtissue. ART is used for the treatment of Repetitive strain injuries, as well asfor the improvement of athletic performance.

Positional releasetherapy (PRT) includes placing the involved tissue in an ideal position ofcomfort. The purpose of position of comfort is to reduce the irritability oftender point and to normalize the tissues associated with dysfunction. Thistechnique is proposed to increase muscle flexibility by placing the muscle in ashortened position to promote muscle relaxation.

Active releasetechnique and Positional release technique has been proved separately to beeffective for the treatment of plantar fasciitis in previous studies. But thereis limited study done comparing these two techniques i.e ART and PRT forplantar fasciitis. Hence, the aim of our study is to compare the effectivenessof Active release technique and Positional release technique in subjects withplantar fasciitis.

Aim:  To compare the effects of active release technique versuspositional release technique in subjects with plantar fasciitis.

Objectives:

1. To assess the effects of active release technique versuspositional release technique on numerical pain rating scale, pressurealgometer, foot and ankle ability measure and ankle dorsiflexion range ofmotion in patients with plantar fasciitis.

2. Comparison of both groups.

Inclusion criteria:

Acute Plantar Fasciitis,

Age above 18 years,

Windlass test- positive.

Exclusion criteria:

Dermatitis,

History of surgery or any trauma around the foot complex.

Outcome measures:

1. Numerical Pain Rating Scale- first step pain, at rest, onactivity

2. Pressure algometer

3. Foot and ankle ability measure

4. Ankle ROM- Dorsiflexion (goniometer)