Massage vs. stretch: which eases heel pain best?

NCT ID NCT07078513

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested two manual therapy techniques—Active Release Technique (ART) and Strain-Counterstrain (SCS)—in 20 adults with chronic plantar fasciitis. Both aim to reduce pain and improve foot function without drugs or surgery. The results will show which approach works better for this common heel condition.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Manual therapy (Active Release Technique or Strain-Counterstrain)

What this could lead to

If one technique proves better, it could offer a more effective hands-on treatment for plantar fasciitis pain and mobility.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapies are manual and depend on the practitioner's skill.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

plantar fasciitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Riphah international University Malakand Campus

    Chakdara, KPK, 18800, Pakistan