CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Cupping on Plantar Heel Pain

70 participantsStarted 2014-11

Plain-language summary

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of dry cupping on calf muscle trigger points in patients with plantar heel pain. A secondary aim is to examine the correlation between several outcome measures in those patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral plantar heel pain. * Trigger point(s) in the gastrocnemius/soleus muscle(s). * Central or centro-medial tenderness in the plantar aspect of the heel. Exclusion Criteria: * Red flags: tumor, fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or any severe vascular condition in the lower limbs. * Neurological symptoms: sciatica, tarsal tunnel syndrome. * Previous surgery in the affected leg below the hip. * Fibromyalgia. * Previous manual therapy treatment for the same condition within the past 6 months. * History of more than three corticosteroid injections within the past year.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Visual analogue scale (VAS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in VAS at 5 minutes post intervention

Visual analogue scale (VAS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in VAS at 2 days post intervention

Morning first steps visual analogue scale

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in morning visual Analog Scale at 2 days post intervention

Pressure pain threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in PPT at 5 minutes post intervention

Pressure pain threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in PPT at 2 days post intervention

The patient-specific functional scale (PSFS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in PSFS at 2 days post intervention

Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in ankle dorsiflexion ROM at 5 minutes post intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02895698

SponsorImam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Plantar Fasciitis trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Visual analogue scale (VAS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in VAS at 5 minutes post intervention

Visual analogue scale (VAS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in VAS at 2 days post intervention

Morning first steps visual analogue scale

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in morning visual Analog Scale at 2 days post intervention

Pressure pain threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in PPT at 5 minutes post intervention

Pressure pain threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in PPT at 2 days post intervention

The patient-specific functional scale (PSFS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in PSFS at 2 days post intervention

Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline in ankle dorsiflexion ROM at 5 minutes post intervention