Efficacy of Transverse Friction Massage versus Dry Cupping on Flexor Digitorum Brevis and Gastrocsoleus in Patients with Planter fasciitis

Purpose: Plantar fasciitis is a musculo-skeletal ailment prevalent in people of diverse ages and levels of physical activity. This condition causes pain in the medial side of heel, which is exacerbated by weight-bearing activities as well as in rest or non-weight bearing. The objective of the study was to compare the effects on transverse friction massage and dry cupping on pain, disability and activity limitations in patients with planter fasciitis. Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study with sample size of 32 and convenient sampling was used to recruit patients in study. Inclusion criteria of study were females and males of age 21 to 35 years, chronic pain in foot for more than 4 months and had positive windlass test. Study duration was 6 months. Out of 32 patients 16 were enrolled in group-A (baseline therapy and Transverse Friction Massage) and remaining 16 were enrolled in group-B (baseline therapy and Dry Cupping). Intensity of pain was assessed by NPRS before and after the treatment of 4 week and functional limitations was measure by Foot Function Index (FFI). Data was analyzed by software SPSS 24.0. Findings: Out of 32 participants 37.5% were men and 62.5% were women. Results demonstrated that median of NPRS in group A before treatment was 6.50 and after treatment it was 3.00. Median of NPRS in group B before treatment was 6.00 and after treatment it was 2.50. Pre-treatment mean of FFI in group A was 64.18±7.40 which reduced to 21.12±9.26 after the treatment of 4 weeks. Pre-treatment mean of FFI in group b was 63.18±7.70 and after treatment it was 23.12±8.24. A statistical significant difference was found in pre and post treatments of both groups p≤0.05). Between group analysis of A and B showed no statistical significant difference (p>0.05). Transverse friction massage and dry cupping showed equal effects in reducing disability, activity limitations and pain in the patients of planter fasciitis. Recommendations: Transverse Friction Massage and Dry Cupping demonstrate equivalent therapeutic benefits for plantar fasciitis patients. Clinicians are advised to consider both interventions, factoring in patient comfort and logistical constraints. It's imperative for policymakers to integrate these findings into clinical guidelines, while also promoting further research to elucidate the specific therapeutic mechanisms involved.