Active Release Technique Versus Strain-Counter Strain in Improving Pain and Function in Plantar Fasciitis

Riphah International University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Plantar Fascitis

Treatments: Other: Active release Technique; Other: Strain counter strain tecnhnique

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07078513

REC-01016 Asad Zaman

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) in treating plantar fasciitis. Forty participants will be divided into two groups receiving either ART or SCS over a four-week period. The study aims to identify the more effective manual therapy technique for reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial investigates the comparative effectiveness of Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) in managing plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain and functional limitation. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving either ART or SCS over a four-week period, with sessions conducted three times per week. ART involves targeted pressure with active tissue movement to release adhesions, while SCS uses passive positioning to relieve muscle tension. The study will be conducted at Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine the superior technique. The findings aim to support evidence-based manual therapy approaches in clinical physiotherapy practice.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients age 25-45 years diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
• Chronic plantar fasciitis (symptoms lasting more than 3 months).
• Ability to participate in active movement for ART.

Exclusion criteria

• Recent lower limb surgery.
• Neurological disorders affecting gait or mobility.
• Acute inflammatory conditions of the foot.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 2 patient groups

Active release Technique

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive Active Release Technique (ART), a manual therapy approach focused on relieving soft tissue restrictions. The therapist will apply targeted pressure to areas of adhesion while the patient actively moves the affected tissue through its full range of motion. Each session will include approximately 30 repetitions and will be conducted three times per week for four weeks. This technique aims to restore normal tissue mobility and reduce pain.

Treatment:

Other: Active release Technique

Strain counter strain tecnhnique

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive Strain-Counterstrain (SCS), a gentle manual therapy technique designed to reduce muscle tension and pain. The therapist will passively position the patient into a position of maximal comfort, targeting specific tender points. This position is held for approximately 90 seconds while maintaining light pressure, allowing the muscle and fascia to relax. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, aiming to restore tissue balance and reduce discomfort.

Treatment:

Other: Strain counter strain tecnhnique