Do Myofascial Release or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Help Pregnant Women with Plantar Fasciitis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-blind trial compares two conservative manual therapy approaches—Myofascial Release (MFR) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)—in pregnant women with plantar fasciitis. Forty-four participants in their second or third trimester are randomized to receive one of the two treatments, in addition to baseline care such as therapeutic ultrasound and stretching exercises. Outcomes focus on pain intensity and foot function to determine if one technique provides greater relief than the other during pregnancy. The study is conducted at the University of Lahore Hospital across physiotherapy, orthopedic, and gynecology clinics. All participants will be slowly progressed through a standardized treatment protocol with follow-up assessments to evaluate efficacy and safety in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women aged 20-40 years.
* In the second and third trimester of pregnancy (gestational weeks 12-34).
* Clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, with symptoms of heel pain at the medial calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia.
* The pain is most intense with the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. Positive findings from a Windlass test or palpation-provoked pain indicating plantar fasciitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known foot fractures or significant foot deformities.
* Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) that may affect tissue healing and response to therapy.
* Active obstetric complications that contraindicate physiotherapy.
* Recent corticosteroid injections to the heel (\<6 months prior).
* Inability or unwillingness to comply with follow-up visits or the intervention protocol.

Where it's running

• University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore
  Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Fatima Altaf, MSPTWH — The University of Lahore, Lahore
• Study coordinator: Fatima Altaf, MSPTWH
• Email: fatimaaltaf24@yahoo.com
• Phone: 03363228431

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.