Riverton Physiotherapy Clinic

                

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

 A Treatment Tip

Well what is fascia?

Fascia is made up of densely packed collagen fibres known as connective tissue.

Research tells us:

Robert Schleip, Ph.D., at the Fascia Research Project in Germany, suggests that fit, resilient fascia results from stressing our tissues in varied ways—stretching, compressing, and twisting them in multiple directions, at varying speeds, and under different loads. 

Injuries to fascia occur due to overuse and underuse.  Too much exercise thickens the fascia…. Not enough exercise makes the tissue less adaptable to Stress.

So here’s the “treatment tip”

Go get yourself a golf ball maybe a towel or just on carpet and to the under surface of the foot from heel to forefoot apply deep connective tissue massage to loosen up thickened tissue in the overuse individual  (see below)

And…

Tensile massage to the fascia to stimulate and adapt the tissue to tensile stresses in the more “relaxed” individual. Try this for a few minutes per day for 7 -10 days, either in sitting, or standing (if you are brave!).

Other factors that will affect recovery are; age,weight,foot biomechanics and lifestyle.Of course if this in isolation isn't doing the trick then consult your Physiotherapist…… 

Cheers,

Craig             (Physiotherapist APAM )