Comparing Radial Shockwave Therapy and Graston Instrument for Heel Pain
Official title: Comparative Effect of Radial Shockwave Therapy and Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Plantar Fasciitis
Run by Riphah International University · NCT06697860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether Radial Shockwave Therapy or Graston Instrument treatment works better for relieving heel pain in people with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Weeks to 45 Weeks |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 7, 2025 |
| Study ends | January 7, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | November 20, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06697860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 20 to 45 with chronic plantar fasciitis lasting more than three months and experiencing significant heel pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or previous surgeries on the ankle or foot may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Radial Shockwave Therapy (RST) versus Graston Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in treating chronic plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. The study will involve a randomized design with 40 participants aged 20 to 45 who have been diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis. Participants will be divided into two groups, receiving either RST or IASTM, and their outcomes will be assessed using various pain and function measurement tools over a four-month period. The goal is to determine which treatment provides better relief and functional improvement for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with effective non-invasive treatment options for alleviating heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar non-invasive treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis, suggesting potential for success in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Both genders (male/female) Age 20 to 45 (25) unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis of more than 3 months Pre diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis soreness and local tenderness bottom of the heel. Searing or piercing type pain (26) Pain greater than four on the visual analogue scale (VAS) during the first steps in the morning(10) gradual development of pain with no trauma(27) pain generated by local pressure(26) Increase in pain in the morning upon taking a few steps or after prolonged non-weight bearing(28) symptoms decreasing with slight levels of activity, such as walking(11) No previous history of radial shockwave therapy or Graston technique for plantar fasciitis Exclusion Criteria: \- Having lower limb pathology (24) Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) Fat-pad syndrome(11) Have heel spurs(26) Bilateral PF Previous ankle or foot surgery History of topical corticosteroid injections to the ankle or foot Neuropathic or radicular pain in the lower limbs Participants with systemic diseases that cause foot discomfort, such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, foot bursitis, as well as those with type I or type II diabetes and pregnancy, were also excluded from the study.(25)
Where it's running
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Sehat Medical Complex
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: SABA RAFIQUE, MsPT(OMPT) — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Imran Amjad, Phd
- Email: imranamjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: imranamjad@ripha.edu.pk
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Low-Dye versus calcaneal taping for plantar fasciitis
This trial will see if Low-Dye or calcaneal taping better reduces heel pain and improves foot function in adults with chronic plantar fasciitis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.