Immediate Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization Versus Dry Needling on Trigger Point Pain and Tightness of Calf Muscles in Long-Distance Runners.

Introduction Muscle tightness is frequently identified as a potential precursor to muscle injuries. Reclaiming flexibility and enhancing range of motion (ROM) is crucial for preventing injuries and achieving improvements in performance. The present study examines the immediate effects of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) and dry needling (DN) in reducing trigger point pain and calf tightness in long-distance runners.