Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Cupping on Plantar Heel Pain

Dry cupping. First, the therapist identified the trigger point on calf muscle.After identification of the trigger point, the participant was in prone with the ankle outside the edge of the bed. Ultrasound gel was then placed over the trigger point as a lubricant to increase the suctioning of the plastic vacuum cup, after which the cup was placed. Air was withdrawn from the cup to create a suction force. The cup was maintained for 10 minutes, and the participant was asked to do active ankle dorsiflexion exercise after 5 minutes of placing the cup. The therapist held the cup in place while the participant performed exercise.

"* The participant was in prone with the ankle outside the edge of the bed. The participant was asked to do active ankle dorsiflexion exercise after 5 minutes of lying on bed.~* Standing self-stretching of the calf muscles.~* Plantar fascia-specific self-stretching.The participant was instructed to start gently at first and then to work more aggressively as long as the pain is tolerable.~* All stretches were done six times and the duration of each stretch is 30 seconds."