Comparing Radial Shockwave Therapy and Graston Instrument for Heel Pain

Comparative Effect of Radial Shockwave Therapy and Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Plantar Fasciitis

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06697860

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment38 (estimated)
Ages20 Weeks to 45 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT06697860 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar non-invasive treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Plantar FasciaRadial Shockwave TherapyGraston InstrumentsSofttissue MobilizationPlantar fascia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.