Comparing Bowen Therapy and Tennis Ball Technique for Pain and Disability in Plantar Fasciitis Patients, A Randomized Controlled Trial

NCT07616492 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: GIU/REC/26-29
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can make everyday activities such as walking, standing for long periods, or climbing stairs difficult and uncomfortable. It usually occurs due to stress and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. People suffering from this condition often experience sharp pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. This study focuses on comparing two non-invasive treatment methods: Bowen Therapy and the Tennis Ball Technique. Bowen Therapy is a gentle manual therapy that uses soft rolling movements over muscles and connective tissues to reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote the body's natural healing process. On the other hand, the Tennis Ball Technique is a simple self-treatment method in which patients roll a tennis ball under the foot to massage the plantar fascia, relieve tightness, and reduce pain. The main purpose of this research is to determine which technique is more effective in decreasing pain and improving functional ability in patients with plantar fasciitis. By comparing these two methods, the study aims to provide a safe, affordable, and easy treatment option that can improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance the quality of life of individuals suffering from heel pain.

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Keywords

tennis ball technique; bowen therapy; plantar fasciitis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• pain Intensity

  Pain (VAS): Pain is the subjective experience of discomfort related to plantar fasciitis, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants rate their pain on a 10-point scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), assessing pain at rest, during activity, and in the morning

  Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• change in function disability

  Baseline and 12 weeks post intervention

Study Arms (2)

Bowen Therapy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in Group A will receive Bowen Therapy. The procedure will be as follows: 1. Frequency and Duration: Bowen therapy sessions will be conducted twice a week for a duration of 12 weeks. Each session will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. 2. Treatment Focus: During each Bowen therapy session, the therapist will apply gentle and precise neuromuscular manipulations to specific anatomical points, focusing on the lower limb and foot. These points include fascial trigger spots and other myofascial tension areas that are implicated in plantar fasciitis. The Bowen technique involves rolling motions applied with the therapist's fingers or thumbs, working through the fascia and muscle tissues to promote fascial release, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Procedure: Bowen therapy

Tennis Ball Technique Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in Group B will perform self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball. The procedure for self-administration will be as follows: 1. Frequency and Duration: Participants will be instructed to perform the self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball once a day for 12 weeks. Each session will last about 10 to 15 minutes, with the participant rolling the tennis ball under the foot for about 5 to 10 minutes per foot. 2. Technique and Procedure: The participants will be taught the correct technique for rolling the tennis ball under the sole of the foot, with emphasis on applying appropriate pressure to trigger points or areas of tightness (e.g., arch, heel, and plantar fascia). A standardized pressure will be recommended to ensure the ball is rolled with sufficient force to produce fascial release without causing excessive discomfort or injury.

Procedure: Self myofascial release by Tennis ball technique

Interventions

Bowen therapy PROCEDURE

Participants in Group A will undergo Bowen Therapy and the treatment will be provided twice weekly for 12 weeks, with each session lasting about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on individual response and condition. During each session, the therapist will apply gentle, targeted rolling movements using fingers or thumbs on specific points of the lower limb and foot. These points are selected based on areas of muscle tightness, fascial restriction, and pain related to plantar fasciitis. The technique aims to promote muscle relaxation, improve tissue circulation, and reduce pain by working on the fascial system and supporting overall neuromuscular balance

Bowen Therapy Group

Self myofascial release by Tennis ball technique PROCEDURE

Participants in Group B will perform self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball. The procedure for self-administration will be as follows: 1. Frequency and Duration: Participants will be instructed to perform the self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball once a day for 12 weeks. Each session will last about 10 to 15 minutes, with the participant rolling the tennis ball under the foot for about 5 to 10 minutes per foot. 2. Technique and Procedure: The participants will be taught the correct technique for rolling the tennis ball under the sole of the foot, with emphasis on applying appropriate pressure to trigger points or areas of tightness (e.g., arch, heel, and plantar fascia). A standardized pressure will be recommended to ensure the ball is rolled with sufficient force to produce fascial release without causing excessive discomfort or injury.

Tennis Ball Technique Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 50 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: both male and female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may not qualify if:

• History of injury in the lower limb within the last 6 months or surgery on the lower limb within the last 6 months. Known diseases which are systemic (or neurological) in nature (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy). The use of corticosteroid injections or medications that disrupt the connective tissue has continued to be administered

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Green International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Alara Healthcare Wapda town Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fasciitis, Plantar

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Fasciitis; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Foot Diseases

Study Officials

• Department of physical therapy

  Alara healthcare Wapda town lahore

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 23, 2026
• First Posted: June 1, 2026
• Study Start: November 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 29, 2026
• Study Completion: May 6, 2026
• Last Updated: June 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR
• Time Frame: It will be available after the completion of the study
• Access Criteria: Through the corresponding author

Locations

PA (1)