OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of muscle energy technique and counterstrain technique on pain, functional status, and satisfaction level in patients with plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted from May to November 2022. A total of 66 patients were recruited using the purposive sampling technique. Clinically diagnosed patients of plantar fasciitis of age 20 to 50 years, both gender and history of pain >= 4 weeks were randomly allocated into two groups. The muscle energy technique was applied to Group A and the Counterstrain technique was given to Group B with routine physiotherapy. Outcomes measured were Visual Analog Scales for pain, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for functional level, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 for satisfaction level. The assessment was conducted at baseline, 1st, and 2nd week. Independent t-test and Repeated Measure ANOVA were used for between and within-group differences respectively with p <= 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between Group A and Group B in pain (p = 0.245), functional status (ADL p = 0.862, Sport p = 0.092), and satisfaction level (p = 0.108). However, significant within-group difference was ob-served with pain (p = 0.000), functional status (p = 0.000), and general satisfaction level (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle Energy and Counterstrain Technique are equally beneficial in decreasing pain, and enhancing the functional status and patient satisfaction levels in plantar fasciitis patients.

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