Immediate Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Flexibility and Balance in Housewives Having Foot Pain

Background: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is modern, non-invasive treatment that acts as possible therapeutic approach for musculoskeletal issues. Research is essential to enhance the understanding of IASTM’s therapeutic capabilities, to establish a strong evidence foundation to validate its immediate advantages & to advance the clinical management of foot pain, aiding a significant & frequently overlooked demographic population. Method: Study conducted on 40 Housewives (Ahmedabad) having generalized foot/heel pain. Pre-intervention pain was assessed with NPRS, flexibility was evaluated by measuring ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion through goniometry and balance was tested using Timed-Up and Go test. IASTM was administered using EDGE Tool over calf region for 5-7 minutes, 30 strokes over each leg. Post intervention, the data was gathered once again utilizing the previously referenced methods. Result: The mean age of participants was 38.9±6.9 years. Statistically significant differences were identified pre and post intervention &are as follows: NPRS=3.57º; Right Dorsiflexion=3.15º; Right Plantarflexion=4.52º; Left Dorsiflexion=3.17º; Left Plantarflexion=4.1º; TUG=1.22 seconds. On comparison, significant improvements are evident in all pre-post outcomes assessed (p<0.001). Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that IASTM does produce an immediate effect in alleviating pain, enhancing flexibility and aiding balance in housewives experiencing foot pain. Key words: IASTM; Foot Pain; Flexibility; Balance; Housewives