Title: Plantar Fasciitis: The Agony of Foot Pain and the Soothing Touch of Massage
Introduction:
Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, this condition can cause intense heel and foot pain. In this blog, we will explore how Plantar Fasciitis affects individuals, its prevalence, the presentation of pain, and the potential benefits of massage therapy in managing this debilitating condition.
Impact and Prevalence:
Plantar Fasciitis can affect anyone, from athletes to individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle. It is estimated that approximately 10% of the population will experience Plantar Fasciitis at some point in their lives. People who are overweight, have flat feet, wear unsupportive shoes, or engage in activities that place excessive stress on the feet, such as running or standing for prolonged periods, are at a higher risk.
Pain Presentation:
The hallmark symptom of Plantar Fasciitis is heel pain, typically felt in the morning upon taking the first steps after waking up or after prolonged periods of rest. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation at the bottom of the heel. As individuals move around, the pain may subside, only to return after extended periods of walking or standing. In some cases, the pain can radiate to the arches and the rest of the foot.
Massage Therapy for Relief:
Massage therapy can be a valuable adjunct to the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. A skilled massage therapist can apply specific techniques to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Here's how massage can help:
Improved Blood Circulation: Massage increases blood flow to the affected area, which aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Release of Tension: Massage techniques, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy, can target tight muscles in the feet and calf, helping to release tension and relieve stress on the plantar fascia.
Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion: Massage can improve flexibility in the foot and ankle, allowing for better movement and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Chronic foot pain can take a toll on one's mental well-being. Massage therapy induces relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
HOWEVER.....STOP THE PRESS..... Here at Matt Barker Sports Massage we have discovered the link Plantar Fasciitis has with the sacrum and have now treated hundreds of people, succesfully treating what we think is the cause of this debilitating problem.
You see, 'itis' is a medical reference for inflammation. Why is there inflammation? Well one reason could be walking around on fascia that has been pulled up tight, tight up through the leg following the posterior fascial lines all the way up to the sacrum, the fused section at the base of the spine that likes to rotate, nutate and counter-nutate. We have found that there is a link between the two. A correlation that is there nearly all the time. Now there are other causes of inflammation however, in the many cases of PF we have seen, and have subsequently tested for sacral dysfunction, then, in turn, adjusted the sacrum back to it's correct, functional state, we have seen improvement or complete irradication of Plantar Fasciitis. One case, that had persisted for 23 yrs, did not improve, probably due to long term, set-in, compensation patterns and fascial formation.
SO, IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM PLANTAR FASCIITIS COME AND SEE MATT OR NINA FOR AN ASSESSMENT. WE TREAT THE CAUSE NOT THE SYMPTOMS.
