Active Release Technique vs. Dynamic Soft Tissue Mobilization for Plantar Pain

The patient will sit in a long-sitting position while the therapist assesses muscle and fascial tightness using their hands. The therapist applies specific pressure along the affected tissue from origin to insertion while the muscle is shortened. The patient is then instructed to lengthen the muscle by dorsiflexing the foot. Each session lasts approximately 10 minutes, three times a week for four weeks, along with baseline taping.

The patient will sit in a long-sitting position while the therapist assesses muscle and fascial tightness using their hands. The therapist applies specific pressure along the affected tissue from origin to insertion while the muscle is shortened. The patient is then instructed to lengthen the muscle by dorsiflexing the foot. Each session lasts approximately 10 minutes, three times a week for four weeks, along with baseline taping.

The therapist will perform 10 minutes of deep, forceful soft tissue mobilization on tight and painful areas of the posterior calf muscles, applying pressure across the muscle fibers medially and laterally. The patient will also perform a passive straight leg raise combined with ankle dorsiflexion using a long belt to improve neural mobility.

The therapist will perform 10 minutes of deep, forceful soft tissue mobilization on tight and painful areas of the posterior calf muscles, applying pressure across the muscle fibers medially and laterally. The patient will also perform a passive straight leg raise combined with ankle dorsiflexion using a long belt to improve neural mobility.

Numeric Rating Scale (NPRS) is most frequently used instruments to measure pain. The 11-point numeric with 0 representing No pain, 1- 3 representing Mild Pain (nagging, annoying, interfering little with ADLs), 4-6 representing Moderate Pains

(interferes significantly with ADLs), 7-10 representing Sever Pain (disabling, unable to perform ADLs).

The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure developed to assess the impact of foot pathology on pain, disability, and activity limitation.The questionnaire consists of 23 items divided into three subscales: Pain (9 items), Disability (9 items), and Activity Limitation (5 items). The questions assess foot pain severity and the extent to which foot problems affect daily functional activities such as walking, standing, climbing stairs, and participation in routine activities.

The patient's knee will be flexed to 30°, with the ankle in the anatomical position. The goniometer axis will be placed near the lateral ankle, with the stationary arm aligned along the fibula and the movable arm along the fifth metatarsal. The examiner will measure both passive and active ankle dorsiflexion using a goniometer. The normal range of ankle dorsiflexion is approximately 15°-20°.