A critical appraisal of "Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical outcomes of laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial"

This is an appraisal of an article analyzing the effectiveness of laser therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and ultrasound in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. This article was chosen for appraisal because it furthers research for the clinical question asking of the effectiveness of extra corporeal shock wave therapy versus stretching for decreasing pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. The article was found through searching PubMed and Medline Complete. The strengths of this article include the detailed methods and in depth results, the blinded radiologist, and random group assignments. The weaknesses found in the article included the lack of control group, lack of blinding, short follow up period, and lack of background information of the participants included in the study. It would not be recommended to apply these interventions in the physical therapy clinic because of the several weaknesses present in the article. However, statistically significant results were found in laser therapy and ESWT. With the in depth methods, a physical therapist could replicate the intervention and trust that some significant differences will be made. Overall the article provides great detail for procedures but too many limitations to use as evidence to apply the interventions in the physical therapy.