BACKGROUND: A typical explanation of heel pain that affects 10-15% of general population during their lifetime was Plantar Fasciitis. Davidson first discussed the success treating tendinitis patient with a therapeutic technique called Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM). ASTM then be modified, and use of specifically designed solid instruments came in account. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) along with improved limb function also quicken up tendon healing by recruitment and activation of fibroblasts. This study aims to find out the effectiveness of IASTM in plantar fasciitis. METHODS: IASTM was given in following steps including Warm-up; IASTM done at 30-600 angle for 40-120 seconds, followed by 3 repetitions of Stretching for 30 seconds, then strengthening with higher repetitions low dose exercise and at last ending by Cryotherapy given for 10-20 minutes. Intervention was provided for 2 weeks, 3 sessions per week. VAS is used to analyze Pain, Foot Function Index (FFI) is used to analyze disability and ROM for ankle Dorsi-Flexion ranges. RESULT: Improvements were seen in the range of ankle dorsi flexion (100) at baseline increased to (120) after intervention and pain according to VAS (6/10) decreased to (4/10) after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: IASTM along with proper warm-up, stretching, strengthening and Cryotherapy improves the ankle function and promotes the daily living activities. IASTM shows a significant result in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. Key words: Plantar fasciitis; Heel pain; IASTM; Foot Function Index; Physical Therapy, Plantar aponeurosis loading
Mehta et al. (Mon,) studied this question.