A Review on Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Technique with Conventional Physiotherayy in Management of Plantar Fascitis

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting nearly 10% of the population at some point in their lives. It is characterized by degenerative changes in the plantar fascia, resulting in heel pain and functional impairment. While conventional physiotherapy techniques such as stretching, strengthening, ultrasound, and taping are commonly employed, Myofascial Release (MFR) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment. Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Myofascial Release in combination with conventional physiotherapy techniques in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Methods: A total of 13 studies published between 2013 and 2024 were analysed. Databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving clinically diagnosed plantar fasciitis patients aged 18–65 years, using MFR as a treatment either alone or in combination with other physiotherapeutic modalities. Primary outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Results: The review consistently found that MFR, when used alongside conventional therapy, significantly reduced pain and improved foot function compared to conventional therapy alone. Studies also demonstrated that MFR as a standalone treatment outperformed modalities like ultrasound and static stretching. MFR was especially effective when combined with stretching or taping, yielding faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. Conclusion: Myofascial Release is an effective, non-invasive, and evidence-supported intervention for managing plantar fasciitis. When integrated with conventional physiotherapy, it accelerates pain relief, enhances mobility, and supports functional restoration. Future research with larger samples and standardized MFR protocols is warranted to further validate these findings.