Immediate Effect of Strain-Counterstain Technique vs Myofascial Release on Pain Among Tertiary Care Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis - A Comparative Study

Background: Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, significantly impacts the daily activities of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses who engage in prolonged weight-bearing activities. This study compares the immediate effects of the Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) technique and Myofascial Release (MFR) on pain relief among tertiary care nurses with plantar fasciitis. Methods: A total of 40 tertiary care nurses with clinically diagnosed plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to two intervention groups: Group A (n=20) received SCS treatment, and Group B (n=20) received MFR treatment. Pain intensity was measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests to compare intra-group and inter-group differences. Results: Both SCS and MFR techniques resulted in significant pain reduction. The SCS group showed a mean NPRS decrease from 5.00 ± 1.08 to 2.20 ± 0.62 (p < 0.0001), while the MFR group showed a decrease from 4.95 ± 1.02 to 3.70 ± 1.05 (p < 0.0001). Inter-group comparison indicated a more significant pain reduction in the SCS group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The Strain-Counterstrain technique is more effective than Myofascial Release in providing immediate pain relief among tertiary care nurses with plantar fasciitis. This finding supports the incorporation of SCS in the clinical management of plantar fasciitis for rapid pain alleviation. Keywords: Myofascial Release, Pain Management, Plantar Fasciitis, Strain-Counterstrain, Tertiary Care Nurses