Efficacy of Percussive Massage versus Calf Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis – A Research Protocol

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis occurs with the deterioration of the plantar fascia and related surrounding tissues around the heel's medial calcaneal tuberosity. This illness usually causes tightness in the calf muscles. These tight muscles are thought to interfere with the normal biomechanics of ambulation. The invention of percussion massage guns intends to improve the usefulness and efficiency of self-myofascial release, following in the footsteps of vibrating foam rollers. Since there is limited research on muscle gun devices, despite their growing popularity, this study will look into their effects on range of motion, essential physiological or biomechanical factors that contribute to the disease, and their capacity to reduce muscular tightness.

Methodology: Subjects with Plantar Fasciitis (n = 48) will be recruited for a single-blind RCT. Participants will be assigned randomly to the experimental or control groups with a one-to-one allocation ratio. Participants in Group A will receive treatment via Theragun, Hot/cold immersion therapy, and a home exercise regimen during a one-week period immediately following baseline evaluations and randomization. Participants in GROUP B would only be subjected to Calf Stretching, a Contrast Bath, and a home exercise regimen. For a week, the calf muscles were treated for 5 minutes every day (7 sessions in all). As 1 week is completed, the efficacy of the approach for both groups is assessed using ankle flexibility tests, VAS, universal goniometers, Active Manual muscle testing, and the (PFPS) as outcome measures.

Discussion: The purpose of this study is to compare the benefits of the Hypervolt device vs calf stretching in individuals with plantar fasciitis. The outcomes of the study, which may include a newly designed rehabilitation technique, may assist patients experiencing Plantar +-Fasciitis.

Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn based on the effect of both the techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis.