Introduction:
Plantar fasciitis occurs with the deterioration of the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues around the heel’s medial calcaneal tuberosity, often causing tightness in the calf muscles. These tight muscles can interfere with normal biomechanics during walking. Percussion massage guns, following the concept of vibrating foam rollers, aim to enhance the effectiveness of self-myofascial release. Despite their growing popularity, there is limited research on these devices. This study examines the effects of muscle guns on range of motion, key physiological or biomechanical factors contributing to plantar fasciitis, and their ability to reduce muscle tightness.
Methodology:
Subjects with plantar fasciitis (n = 48) will be recruited for a single-blind RCT. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups with a one-to-one allocation ratio. Group A will receive treatment via Theragun, hot/cold immersion therapy, and a home exercise regimen for one week following baseline evaluations and randomization. Group B will only undergo calf stretching, a contrast bath, and a home exercise regimen. Both groups will treat their calf muscles for 5 minutes daily over 7 sessions. After one week, the efficacy of the treatments will be assessed using ankle flexibility tests, VAS, universal goniometers, active manual muscle testing, and the PFPS as outcome measures.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354957530