2025, Vol. 12, Issue 2, Part D

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain, affecting individuals engaged in prolonged standing or high-impact activities. Recent advancements, such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), have shown promise in managing this condition.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of combining ESWT and IASTM in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in a patient with plantar fasciitis.

Methodology: A 25-year-old male medical student with three months of persistent right heel pain (NPRS: 7/10 at rest, 8/10 during activity; FFI: 65%) underwent six sessions of ESWT combined with IASTM over two weeks. ESWT (0.12-0.28 mJ/mm², 1000-2000 pulses/session) targeted the plantar fascia, while IASTM focused on soft tissue mobilization. A home exercise program complemented the intervention.

Results: Pain and function improved significantly. NPRS scores reduced to 2/10 at rest and 5/10 during activity, while the FFI score improved to 40%, indicating reduced impairment and enhanced mobility.

Conclusion: The combination of ESWT and IASTM is effective in managing plantar fasciitis by addressing both pain and functional limitations. Further research is recommended to validate these findings and establish standardized protocols.