Effects of Tissue Flossing on Pain and Functional Performance in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy

Effects of Tissue Flossing on Pain and Functional Performance in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy

This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effectiveness of tissue flossing as an adjunctive therapy for Achilles tendinopathy. Thirty participants, aged 20-45 years with a clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy (>6 weeks), will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive a single session of tissue flossing (involving an elastic band wrapped from mid-calf to heel under moderate tension, followed by active ankle exercises) combined with conventional eccentric loading exercises. The control group will receive conventional eccentric loading exercises only. The primary outcome measures will be pain intensity, assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); ankle range of motion, measured via the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT); functional limitation, evaluated with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS); and jump performance, measured by countermovement jump height using the My Jump Lab app. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after the intervention session, and at a one-week follow-up. The study aims to determine if tissue flossing provides significant immediate and short-term improvements in pain and function, potentially offering a novel, low-cost supportive technique for rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• · Adults aged 20-45 years.

  • Clinically diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy for more than 6 weeks.
  • Ability to walk independently.
  • Pain on palpation of the Achilles tendon.
  • A pain score greater than 3/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
  • Subjective reporting of pain located 2-6 cm above the tendon's insertion into the calcaneum (heel bone).
  • A positive Painful Arc sign (pain localized to the tendon that moves with ankle motion).
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9.

Exclusion Criteria:

• · Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

  • A recent corticosteroid injection (e.g., within the last 3 months) or surgery related to the Achilles tendon.
  • Diagnosed neurological deficits.
  • Recent fractures in the lower limb.