A Comparative Study of the Graston Technique and Alfredson Protocol in the Management of Achilles Tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, is frequently injured by overuse; this condition is known as Achilles tendinopathy (AT). It serves as a link between the heel bone and the calf muscles and is necessary for motions, such as walking, sprinting, and jumping. Evidence is presented to support the efficacy of the Graston technique and Alfredson protocol for pain reduction and improvement of function and calf muscle strength. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of the Graston technique versus the Alfredson protocol in patients with AT. Methods and data collection: After obtaining approval from the ethical review board of the Rawalpindi Medical University, all patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria are divided into two groups, A and B, by generating random identity numbers using Microsoft Excel for allocation. Group A comprises patients who undergo treatment with the Graston technique as conventional therapy with Alfredson protocol (12-week calf muscle eccentric exercises), while those in group B follow a Graston technique with sole heel lift. Individuals in the eccentric exercises group follow an Alfredson method-based 12-week eccentric exercise plan for their leg muscles. The workouts need to be done twice a day, seven days a week for 12 weeks. The plan includes two exercises: the first done with the knee straightened to work the gastrocnemius and the second done with the knee bent to work the soleus. Three sets of 15 repetitions with no rest interval for each exercise are completed twice a day on the affected limb to yield functional improvement.

The results showed that both the Alfredson protocol and the Graston technique were effective in managing AT symptoms. The study involved dividing 32 participants into two groups who received either treatment for four weeks. The main way to measure improvement was a score called the Villalta-Scanlon Achilles Tendonitis Index score. In both groups, these scores showed significant improvement (with a p-value less than 0.001, which means that the results are very statistically significant). For Group A (who received the Alfredson protocol), the average Villalta-Scanlon Achilles Tendonitis Index score before treatment was 29.25. This score increased to 31.25 at mid-treatment and 34.38 after the full four weeks of treatment. Group B (who received the Graston technique) started with an average Villalta-Scanlon Achilles Tendonitis Index score of 22.94. Their scores also increased throughout the treatment, reaching 34.94 at mid-treatment and 42.88 after four weeks. These findings provide evidence that both treatments can improve AT symptoms, with some suggestions that the Graston technique might be even more effective based on the higher average Villalta-Scanlon Achilles Tendonitis Index scores after treatment.

The Graston technique shows promising results, particularly in the mid- and post-treatment phases, indicating its potential efficacy in comparison to the Alfredson protocol in the treatment of AT.