Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Combined With Plantar Fascia Stretching Exercises in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial.

The study only measured outcomes immediately after the final treatment session, so it is unknown if the benefits of stretching last longer than those of laser therapy or if differences emerge over time. The sample size was relatively small and powered to detect a large difference in pain scores, which may have made it difficult to identify smaller, potentially clinically relevant benefits. Most participants had slightly supinated feet, so the results may not apply to patients with flat feet or overpronation. Participants were instructed to avoid strenuous weight-bearing exercises, which could confound the results if adherence to this restriction varied.

The study was funded by the Research and Innovation Division, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not conclude that stretching is ineffective because the laser group did not outperform the sham group. Both groups improved significantly, indicating that the stretching program was effective on its own. The lack of difference means the laser added nothing to the stretching, not that the stretching failed.