A Study to Compare Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Versus Foam Roller on Decreasing Pain and Improving Dorsiflexion Range of Motion of Ankle Joint in Patients with Plantar Fascitis: A Randomised Control Trial


Authors : Deborah Borgai; Dr. Smruti Swagatika Dash; Dr. Rajendra Kachhwaha

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2hfeckm6

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/89k7c9xk

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14849340

Abstract : Background: Plantar fasciitis is defined as a localized inflammation and degeneration of the proximal plantar heel pain, it represents as soreness or tenderness of the heel that is restricted to the sole of the foot. The fascia supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, aids in the gait cycle, and makes it easier to absorb shock when engaging in weight-bearing activities. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain, which is especially severe with the initial steps in the morning. As the range of ankle dorsiflexion decreases, the risk of plantar fasciitis increases. While the estimated lifetime incidence of PF is 10%. However, about 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis benefit from nonsurgical treatment. Myofascial release, or MFR, is a famous manual therapy technique that manipulates the myofascial complex using precisely guided low load, long duration mechanical stresses with the goals of restoring appropriate length, reducing pain, and improving function (Barnes, 1990). Foam roller is a popular device commonly used in sports and physical therapy. Using a foam roller can lessen muscle soreness, increase neuromuscular efficiency, and improve sprint performance. Foam rollers and roller massagers are often employed tools to promote myofascial mobility.  Objective: To compare the effectiveness of myofascial release versus foam roller in decreasing pain and improving range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis.  Methodology: 60 subjects with plantar fasciitis were selected in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline assessment was taken (FFI, VAS, and ROM). The intervention (Group 1: myofascial release and Group 2: Foam roller) was given for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks outcome measures where checked for all the subjects.  Results: The baseline characteristics age, gender, affected side along with VAS, ROM, and FFI have been calculated. Pre and post outcome scores showed statistical significance difference (p<0.001) between both the groups, while Group 1 (Myofascial Release) was better in all outcome measures as compared to Group 2 (Foam roller).  Conclusion: While both foam roller and myofascial release techniques are effective in treating plantar fasciitis, myofascial release is more effective in terms of decreasing pain and improving functional abilities.

Keywords : QOL– Quality of Life, PF – Plantar Fasciitis, MFR – Myofascial Release, VAS – Visual Analogue Scale, ADL – Activities of Daily Living, FM – Foam Roller, ROM- Range of Motion, MTrP- Myofascial Trigger Point Release, DF-Dorsiflexion.

References :

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Background: Plantar fasciitis is defined as a localized inflammation and degeneration of the proximal plantar heel pain, it represents as soreness or tenderness of the heel that is restricted to the sole of the foot. The fascia supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, aids in the gait cycle, and makes it easier to absorb shock when engaging in weight-bearing activities. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain, which is especially severe with the initial steps in the morning. As the range of ankle dorsiflexion decreases, the risk of plantar fasciitis increases. While the estimated lifetime incidence of PF is 10%. However, about 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis benefit from nonsurgical treatment. Myofascial release, or MFR, is a famous manual therapy technique that manipulates the myofascial complex using precisely guided low load, long duration mechanical stresses with the goals of restoring appropriate length, reducing pain, and improving function (Barnes, 1990). Foam roller is a popular device commonly used in sports and physical therapy. Using a foam roller can lessen muscle soreness, increase neuromuscular efficiency, and improve sprint performance. Foam rollers and roller massagers are often employed tools to promote myofascial mobility.  Objective: To compare the effectiveness of myofascial release versus foam roller in decreasing pain and improving range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis.  Methodology: 60 subjects with plantar fasciitis were selected in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline assessment was taken (FFI, VAS, and ROM). The intervention (Group 1: myofascial release and Group 2: Foam roller) was given for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks outcome measures where checked for all the subjects.  Results: The baseline characteristics age, gender, affected side along with VAS, ROM, and FFI have been calculated. Pre and post outcome scores showed statistical significance difference (p<0.001) between both the groups, while Group 1 (Myofascial Release) was better in all outcome measures as compared to Group 2 (Foam roller).  Conclusion: While both foam roller and myofascial release techniques are effective in treating plantar fasciitis, myofascial release is more effective in terms of decreasing pain and improving functional abilities.

Keywords : QOL– Quality of Life, PF – Plantar Fasciitis, MFR – Myofascial Release, VAS – Visual Analogue Scale, ADL – Activities of Daily Living, FM – Foam Roller, ROM- Range of Motion, MTrP- Myofascial Trigger Point Release, DF-Dorsiflexion.

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