Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis could lead to pain, disability and impaired balance. Dry needling that targets myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) has been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain, improving range of motion and function in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Previous systematic review suggested a positive effect of dry needling on improving pain intensity and pain-related disability in patients with plantar heel pain (Llurda-Almuzara et al., 2021). However, the generalisability of the result is limited by small number of trials and heterogenicity in the dry needling application. Also, there is currently no evidence on its effect on dynamic balance and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. This randomized controlled trial is designed to investigate the effectiveness of dry needling on pain, pain-related disability, dynamic balance and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis.