Comparison of Treatment Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Myofascial Release Techniques in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis
Comparison of Treatment Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Myofascial Release Techniques in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis
Various treatment methods are employed for patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. However, many of these approaches involve high-cost interventions, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications. The present study aims to compare the treatment effectiveness of myofascial release-considered a cost-effective intervention-with ESWT, which is among the most commonly preferred treatment modalities.
The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), a frequently used treatment for patients with plantar fasciitis and heel pain, with specific myofascial release techniques. The paucity of studies in the literature and the lack of definitive evidence on this topic served as the basis for initiating this research. A total of 114 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, deemed appropriate for ESWT and myofascial release therapy and meeting the inclusion criteria, are planned to participate in the study. These 114 patients will be randomly divided into three groups of 38 each. Before and after treatment, each patient will complete a demographic data form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Foot Function Index (FFI), the Roles and Maudsley pain scores, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot clinical assessment scales. Participants will be randomly selected from among individuals who applied to Kayseri City Hospital with complaints of plantar fasciitis within the Kayseri province. The three groups will consist of a myofascial release treatment group, an ESWT treatment group, and a control group. The ESWT group will receive 2,000 pulses per session at 2.0 bar intensity, 14 Hz frequency, and a dose of 0.2 mJ/mm². Specific myofascial release techniques will be administered to the myofascial release group once per week for 16 minutes, over a total period of 5 weeks. No treatment will be administered to the control group. An evaluation appointment will be scheduled 5 weeks after baseline data collection using the designated assessment tools. Pre-treatment and post-treatment data for all three groups will be recorded using the SPSS software. After data collection is completed, appropriate statistical analyses will be conducted.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: