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Clinical trial tests two physical therapies for plantar fasciitis

Date:
March 30, 2015
Source:
Loyola University Health System
Summary:
A clinical trial is underway on two physical therapy regimens to treat plantar fasciitis, which causes stabbing heel pain. Hand manipulation therapy is being compared with instrument-assisted therapy (Gaston technique).
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Loyola University Medical Center is conducting a clinical trial on two physical therapy regimens to treat plantar fasciitis, which causes stabbing heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It involves a band of tissue, called the plantar fasciitis, that connects the heel bone to the toes. The tissue becomes irritated and inflamed from repeated strains. The pain typically is most severe when taking the first steps in the morning.

In the Loyola study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive therapy treatments that focus on soft tissue mobilization, with massage and techniques that release muscle tightness. This is performed with hand manipulation by a physical therapist. The other group will receive an instrument-assisted therapy called the Gaston technique. The therapist uses stainless steel instruments to comb over and identify scar tissue. The instruments then are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body. Therapists have taken a continuing education class that has certified them to perform the Gaston technique in a safe and effective way.

Participants will undergo two treatments per week for four weeks. Treatments will take 30 to 60 minutes. Both groups will perform stretches and strengthening exercises.

The study is titled "A Randomized Trial Comparing Traditional Soft Tissue Mobilization and the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Treatment of Patients with Plantar Fasciitis." Principal investigator is Katherine Dux, DPM. Co-investigators are Sarah Dickey, DPM, Gabriela Montes, DPM , and Morgan Grubbe, PT, DPT.

For more information on the clinical trial, call 708-216-2612.


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Materials provided by Loyola University Health System. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

Loyola University Health System. "Clinical trial tests two physical therapies for plantar fasciitis." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 March 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150330173839.htm>.
Loyola University Health System. (2015, March 30). Clinical trial tests two physical therapies for plantar fasciitis. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 12, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150330173839.htm
Loyola University Health System. "Clinical trial tests two physical therapies for plantar fasciitis." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150330173839.htm (accessed December 12, 2024).

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