The purpose of the study is to 1. Investigate the Effect of High-intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound on pain level in patients with plantar fasciitis. 2. Investigate the Effect of High intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound on ROM in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders of the foot, affecting individuals across different age groups and activity levels. It is clinically characterized by localized pain at the medial aspect of the heel, typically exacerbated during weight-bearing activities, with marked intensity upon the first steps in the morning or following periods of prolonged rest or non-weight bearing. Persistent symptoms may significantly impair functional mobility and quality of life. Among contemporary conservative management strategies, laser therapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive modality for PF treatment. Recently, High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) has been introduced as an advanced therapeutic option. Due to its high peak power and deeper tissue penetration capability, HILT can effectively stimulate large and deep fascial structures, potentially enhancing tissue repair, modulating inflammation, and reducing pain perception. High-Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound (HPPTUS) represents a modified therapeutic ultrasound technique that delivers energy at intensities approaching the patient's pain threshold. This approach aims to maximize deep tissue stimulation while maintaining patient tolerance. HPPTUS has demonstrated superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional ultrasound techniques, particularly in the management of myofascial pain syndrome, with significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in range of motion (ROM) achieved within fewer treatment sessions. The study aims to Investigate the Effect of High intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
This group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment combined with High-intensity laser therapy, three times per week for one month
this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment combined with high power pain threshold ultrasound , three times per week for one month
this group consists of 20 subjects will receive conventional treatment only, three times per week for one month
Outpatient clinic of Faculty of Physical Therapy Benha National University.
Banhā, Egypt
Assessment of change of pain intensity
The Visual Analog Scale is a self-reported pain measurement scale with a 10-cm line labeling extreme pain levels. It is valid, reliable, and suitable for clinical practice. Studies have shown moderate to strong correlations for VAS validity in pain measurement.
Time frame: At baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Assessment of change of pressure pain threshold
A pressure algometer is a reliable tool for determining local pressure pain threshold (PPT) in different pain syndromes. It is a force gauge calibrated in kg/cm2 and has a range of 0-10 kg/cm2. A manual pressure algometer will be used to measure pain threshold for heel, with repeated measurements to improve reliability.
Time frame: At baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Assessment of change of Ankle Range of motion
Electronic goniometer will be used to differentiate changes in ROM. Electronic goniometer was used to evaluated ankle ROM in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
Time frame: At baseline and after 4 weeks of Intervention
Assessment of foot pain and Functional Disability
The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a validated questionnaire used to evaluate foot pain and functional disability. It includes 23 items assessing pain, disability, and activity limitation. Each item is rated on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain and functional limitation.
Time frame: At baseline and after 4 weeks of Intervention
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