Ischemic compression and joint mobilisation for the treatment of nonspecific myofascial foot pain: findings from two quasi-experimental before-and-after studies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of myofascial therapy involving ischemic compression on trigger points in combination with mobilization therapy on patients with chronic nonspecific foot pain.

Study Design: Two quasi-experimental before-and-after studies involving two different baseline states.

Method: Foot pain patients at a private clinic were divided into two separate cohorts: A, custom orthotic users; and B, non-users. In Study A, 31 users received 15 experimental treatments consisting of ischemic compressions on trigger points and mobilization of articulations through the foot immediately after study enrollment. In study B, ten non-users were prescribed a soft prefabricated insole and were monitored for five weeks before subsequently receiving 15 experimental treatments after the initial five-week delay.

Outcome Measures: The Foot Function Index (FFI) and patients' perceived improvement score (PIS) on a scale from 0% to 100%.

Results: The Study A group (n=31) maintained a significant reduction in the FFI at all three follow-up evaluations. Mean improvement from baseline in FFI was 47%, 49% and 56% at 0, 1 and 6 months, respectively, post-treatment. Mean PIS was 58%, 57%, and 58%, again at 0, 1 and 6 months post-treatment. For the Study B group, mean improvement in FFI was only 19% after the monitoring period, and 64% after the experimental treatment period. Mean PIS was 31% after monitoring, and 78% after experimental treatment. In repeated measures analyses, experimental treatment was associated with a significant main effect in both of these before-and after studies (all P values<0.01).

Conclusion: Combined treatment involving ischemic compression and joint mobilization for chronic foot pain is associated with significant improvements in functional and self-perceived improvement immediately and at up to six-months post-treatment. Further validation of this treatment approach within a randomized controlled trial is needed.