Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Techniques in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Myofascial Release Techniques (MFRT) are manual therapies that target soft tissues by using long, low-amplitude stretches to increase tissue flexibility. Despite its efficacy in a variety of diseases, perspectives on its biomechanical and physiological consequences remain mixed in foot disorders. The purpose of this analysis is to distribute evidence-based insights for researchers, physicians and other professional looking for effective therapies for this common foot problem.

Methodology

This study comply with the guidelines of PRISMA. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Cochrane and BioMed Central databases with the keywords “Myofascial Release Techniques,” “Stretching,” “Pain,” “Manual Therapy,” and “Plantar Fasciitis.” Studies based on English that had been published from 2019 to 2022 examining the efficacy of MFRT on improving pain and foot function index among plantar fasciitis patients were selected.

Results

Total 170 subjects with plantar fasciitis from seven randomized controlled trials were added in this meta-analysis. MFRT had been shown to have a significant pooled effect when the groups were being compared  on lowering pain and improving foot function index, with a SMD of  -0.924 (95% CI: -1.470 to -0.378, p = 0.001) for pain and -0.915 (95% CI: -1.409 to -0.420, p = 0.001) for foot function index respectively.

Conclusion

MFRT was found to be more effective in diminishing pain and enhancing foot function index as compared to the control therapies in lowering pain and increasing foot function index. These findings provide evidence-based insights that support the inclusion of MFRT as the intervention for common foot condition.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/01.02/015