Photobiomodulation Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial- Big Sky Sports Medicine Conference

l cin, j schroeder, c mincey, j persinger, n hager, r rossi, e metzger, c yimyam, l wagner, b isaacson, p pasquina

Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the 2025 Big Sky Sports Medicine Conference

On average, two million patients receive treatment annually for Plantar Fasciitis  (PF) in the United States. Athletes and Active-Duty Service Members are more prone to PF from repetitive foot stresses and biomechanical predispositions (high arches, excessive pronation, etc.) Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) uses non-ionizing light forces to enhance performance,  alleviate pain/inflammation, promote healing and may be effective in treating PF. This study  assessed the clinical effectiveness of PBMT compared to sham-PBMT for PF in Active-Duty Service Members.

Blinded participants were randomized to receive PBMT or sham-PBMT 3x/week x3  weeks at 10 J/cm2, 25W output power using the LightForce XPi and home exercises x6 weeks.  Sham-PBMT participants could crossover after 6-weeks. Outcomes included Defense and  Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS), Foot Functionality Captured via Foot and Ankle Ability  Measure (FAAM), and ultrasound measured fascial thickness.

FAAM scores improved for the PBMT group (N = 33) at 6-weeks: -17.2 points (SD:16.1; p < .01); sham-PBMT group (N = 35): -11 points (SD:17.1; p = .08); no statistically  significant intergroup differences (p > .05). Both groups experienced median absolute change in  DVPRS scores at 6 weeks: -1.0 points; no significant intergroup differences (p > .05). 6-week  median absolute change in thickness: PBMT: -.01 mm; sham-PBMT: 0.3 mm.

Both groups met the threshold for a minimum clinically important difference on the FAAM (≥ 8-point decrease) and decreased DVPRS. The PBMT group experienced a small  PF thickness decrease. These findings indicate that PBMT may be an effective adjunctive  treatment for PF pain/function.