Manual therapy interventions in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A comparison of three approaches

Discover the Best Manual Therapy Approaches for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

Plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of heel pain, affects many individuals, significantly impacting their daily activities. At our chiropractic clinic, we're dedicated to offering effective, evidence-based treatments to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. A recent study, titled "Manual therapy interventions in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A comparison of three approaches," sheds light on the most effective manual therapy techniques for treating this condition.

The study compared three distinct treatment protocols: manipulation of the foot and ankle, cross friction massage of the plantar fascia, and gastrocsoleus complex stretching. Conducted at the University of Johannesburg's Chiropractic Day Clinic, the research involved 45 participants, each receiving one of the proposed treatments. Results indicated that all three protocols positively impacted range of motion and pain perception. However, a combination of cross friction massage and gastrocsoleus complex stretching showed the greatest improvement in reducing pain and disability, alongside enhancing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

These findings underscore the importance of a tailored approach to chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis. By integrating these effective manual therapy techniques, we can offer personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient, fostering faster recovery and long-term relief from plantar fasciitis.

References:
Yelverton, C., Rama, S., & Zipfel, B. (2019). Manual therapy interventions in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A comparison of three approaches. Health SA Gesondheid, 24, 9 pages. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1244