Comparison of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Kinesiology Taping on Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that occurs as a result of repetitive traction forces on the plantar fascia at its origin over the distal calcaneus. Patients will complain of plantar heel pain, which is sharp rather than dull \& exacerbated with the first step after a period of non-weight-bearing, typically in the morning. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by classic signs of inflammation including pain, swelling and loss of function but some presentations of plantar fasciitis may be a non-inflammatory. Pain is usually worse when barefoot on hard surfaces and with stair climbing. Pain relievers with walking initially \& by stretching of longitudinal arch because Achilles' tendon is tight \& dorsiflexion is limited.

The average plantar heel pain episode lasts longer than 6 months and it affects up to 10-15 % of the population. However, approximately 90 % of cases are treated successfully with conservative care. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will develop PF during their lifetime. PF, which is more common in middle-aged obese females and young male athletes, has a higher incidence in the athletic population though not all suffering requires medical treatment. It is thought to occur in about 10 % of the general population as well, with 83 % of these patients being active working adults between the ages of 25 and 65 years old. Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed on the basis of medical history and physical examination including inspection and palpation to check for inflammation and tenderness.

Plantar fasciitis is defined as a localized inflammation \& degeneration of planter fascia (a thick, broad, inelastic band of fibrous tissue on the plantar surface). The most widely accepted diagnostic test for plantar fasciitis is windlass test. It is performed by passively dorsiflexing the big toe of the involved foot in either weight bearing or non-weight bearing condition. Test will be positive when patient feels pain on the plantar surface while dorsiflexing the big toe. Treatments of plantar fasciitis include pharmacological therapy [medications (oral analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) , injections (local anesthetics, steroids, botulinum toxin A, and/or saline)] Physiotherapy (Gastrocnemius-soleus stretching , dry needling, IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization), extracorporeal shock wave therapy, exercise therapy, ultrasound therapy, iontophoresis, laser therapy, splints and kinesiology taping), and Surgery (fasciotomy, cryosurgery) Taping is beneficial technique for planter fasciitis in short term treatment \& can be implemented as an immediate pain reliever. It helps in pain reduction, joint support, proprioception \& muscle tone normalization. It has immediate positive effect on pain \& function. The use of kinesiology taping results in better functional performance \& balance. It has reduced pain in patients who use it as a short-term treatment. One intervention growing in popularity is Kinesio Tape and is marketed to be an easy-to-use, easily accessible, and cost-effective treatment option. Several theories have been proposed to describe its effect. The most widely-accepted theory states that the tape simulates the elasticity of skin and serves to pull the outer layer of skin off the underlying muscle and soft tissue structures, improving muscle function and decrease pressure on soft tissues, and create a larger space and channel for enhanced lymph flow . Another study in 2018 to check the effectiveness of kinesiology tape in plantar fasciitis. The study was an experimental study. Forty subjects were randomly allocated into two groups - Taping and control groups. The taping group (KT group) consisted of 20 subjects and intervened with the application of kinesiology tape (K tape). The control group consisted of 20 subjects and plantar fascia and calf stretching exercises were given during the treatment period. The results showed that the experimental group had a significant improvement in functional performance and dynamic balance when compared to the control group. Both male and female subjects in the age group of 40 to 60 years, subjects presenting with the symptoms of plantar fasciitis for more than 6 months were included. I have selected kinesiology taping for my study because I want to explore about it effects on subacute and chronic patients and to compare its cost effectiveness with other treatments available for this condition.

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is a popular treatment for myofascial restriction. IASTM uses specially designed instruments to provide a mobilizing effect to scar tissue and myofascial adhesions. Several IASTM tools and techniques are available such as the GRASTON ® technique. A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of GRASTON Technique® for decreasing pain and increasing function in participants with chronic plantar heel pain over a six-week period. A single blind, was conducted with a sample of 22 adults (5 males, 17 females). Participants were assigned to three groups: GT/stretching, effleurage/stretching, and stretching only. Participants improved in variables measured over a six-week treatment of GT. I have selected GRASTON technique in comparison with kinesiology taping in order to check which is most effective in terms of cost and treatment approach and to see in how many sessions patients with subacute and chronic plantar fasciitis will get results.