Massaging plantar fasciitis can be a practical tool for pain relief. It has also been found to reduce common signs and symptoms. Some treatment options for plantar fasciitis are invasive and require surgical treatment. In most cases, surgery can be avoided by incorporating massage techniques directly into therapy plans. This guide to massage therapy for plantar fasciitis discusses what plantar fasciitis is, identifies the dangers associated with the condition, and explores massage-based therapy options and massage techniques for plantar fasciitis that can be done at home.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. The plantar fascia plays a vital function in controlling stride and impacting when walking and running. The plantar fascia forms the arches of the foot. If the fascia is also tight, it can lead to high arches. If it is too weak, “flat feet” may develop. It is also responsible for dorsiflexion, the activity of the foot when it is bent upward towards the lower leg.

Plantar fasciitis is the intumescence of the plantar fascia. This can lead to disability, as standing and walking can be highly unpleasant. Typically, swelling is centered at the fascia’s attachment to the heel bone, although pain may be felt anywhere along the fascia.

There are two types of plantar fasciitis. Plantar graft fasciitis is the most common version of this problem. In these cases, the plantar fascia must absorb excessive pressure due to gait problems or overuse. It stretches and causes micro-tears. When muscle tissues work, they also undergo micro-tears, and the rest need time to recover and become stronger. Since the plantar fascia is constantly used and causes discomfort when walking (as well as three times the body weight when running), these cracks have little time to heal. Repetitive anxiety about the twine leads to the formation of a mark. The advancement of scar tissue causes chronic deterioration of the fascia, minimization of circulation due to abnormal capillary development, and a general weakening of this critical connective tissue.

Compression plantar fasciitis can occur when the fascia is directly injured, such as by landing on sharp objects or a hard blow to the sole of the foot. Compression plantar fasciitis is most likely to occur on the balls of the foot, but it can also affect the heel area.

Signs of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis may first present with pain felt in the foot’s heel for the first time after waking up. The pain may disappear during the day but return the following day. The pain is caused by the fascia being forced to move under the tension of the bodyweight after complete relaxation. As plantar fasciitis progresses, the pain may persist during or after exercise or prolonged standing. The heel can be painful to touch. If the problem is not treated, the pain can become regular and interfere with basic daily movements.

Risk elements and causes

The populations most at risk for developing plantar fasciitis vary. It is generally established in:

  • Runners (especially beginner runners or those who gain mileage quickly),
  • Professional athletes who overtrain with insufficient rest,
  • People who constantly stand for long periods on hard surface areas,
  • People with too many pronation issues,
  • Overweight and obese individuals.
  • People over the age of 40 (because all fasciae lose flexibility with age).

How can plantar fasciitis massage therapy help heal plantar fasciitis?

The persistent, long-term pain of plantar fasciitis is usually caused by contraction and tension in the plantar fascia. The fascia hardens due to the growth of scar tissue. As the fascia eventually becomes damaged, it is pulled towards the calcaneus insertion point in the heel, causing severe pain. This hardening reduces the distribution of blood vessels, further reducing the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to the site.

Massage techniques for plantar fasciitis are becoming more preferred and have also been shown to help stimulate the return of the function to the affected area. Massage therapy can help repair scar tissue, improve blood circulation, and increase lymphatic circulation simultaneously, which helps to remove unwanted tissue successfully. In 85% of randomized controlled trials in which massage was used as the primary treatment for plantar fasciitis, mobility was significantly increased, and associated pain was reduced.

Researchists found that deep tissue massage and conventional stretching were more effective in treating pain than ultrasound therapy and stretching in a recent study. One study found that twice-weekly massage therapy for plantar fasciitis helped increase flexibility and reduce pain so significantly that repetitive movements caused little to no plantar pain after being excluded from exercise due to the degree of pain.

CAN DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE HELP PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

A deep tissue massage service can be used to treat numerous sports injuries. One such injury commonly seen in runners is plantar fasciitis.

Deep tissue massage is used by pressing deeply with the fingers on the fascia, Achilles’ heel, and calf muscles with slow movements. Pressure may be applied through the tendons. Deep tissue massage can help relieve muscle tension, rupture scar tissue and eliminate it. Deep tissue massage focuses on specific areas, and chances are the person may feel some soreness before and after the massage.

However, the results are apparent and can be felt as early as a few days after the treatment. Deep tissue massage relaxes muscle tissue, removes muscle toxins, and ensures proper blood and oxygen circulation to the injury site. Deep tissue massage works because it literally breaks the bonds that cells form in muscle tissues caused by excessive force or tension.

Professional massage

A massage therapist can help with plantar fasciitis, as can an experienced physical therapist. Specialists can show you how to do stretches, workouts, and massage techniques.

Massage specialist Cynthia Parsons, LMT, says the first thing a therapist will do is determine what causes plantar fasciitis pain.

“I’m looking for how the foot moves when you walk and how your hips straighten out, affecting leg length, calves, and ankles.”

Parsons is a certified massage therapist with 25 years of personal practice experience in NV.

“A massage therapist can perform deep tissue massage,” says Parsons. “I start at the calf, working really deep muscle tissue on the back and outside of the calf. After that, I turn to the ligaments and the muscle tissue on the sole of the foot. Massage treatments include myofascial relaxation, muscle strength, positional release, trigger point therapy, pin, and stretch. However, I do not do them at the same time. I work until one or more methods reduce pain.”

Parsons recommends first warming up the feet by saturating them with warm water and Epsom salts for self-massage. However, the most effective treatment, she says, is prevention.

“If you are a runner, stand a lot, or have flat feet or high arches, you are vulnerable to plantar fasciitis. It would be helpful if you had a massage, so your muscle mass does not become immobile,” she urges.

Benefits of a home massage

  1. Enjoy a massage without leaving your home.

The main advantage of massage at home is to enjoy a SPA massage at home, in a resort, or in the countryside. This will provide you with overall privacy and save you time on trips to the SPA massage place. The home solution is ideal for everyone, especially for people with reduced mobility, such as the elderly, or people who require rest, such as pregnant or convalescents. Similarly, we can complete your vacation with the accommodation service when the resort does not have a SPA where this service is provided.

  1. Ease of booking.

You can use such a solution directly, efficiently, and securely over the phone or through the website. For example, at MassageRX, you can use a home massage solution in less than 5 minutes.

  1. Qualified therapists with experience.

When you use such a solution, make sure that the professionals and the massage therapists who will be relevant to you have experience in the market and can provide you with the services you deserve and need.

  1. Home massage services are excellent for your situation.

Plantar fasciitis is a common and sick condition for many people, especially runners and those who stand a lot. Home massages and stretching can help relieve pain and help prevent a permanent problem from occurring.

  1. All the necessary equipment to provide you with the best possible service.

Our experts will take care of everything you need to enjoy the service: massage tables, towels, essences, and massage oils.

  1. Ideal for groups or companies.

Massage is the best way to relieve accumulated stress, ease tension, and improve our physical well-being, increasing the productivity of our work. It is a service that can be used anywhere, making it an attractive gift for employees.

At MassageRX, we provide special offers for groups and companies. Call us to request more information.

  1. Complete your vacation.

Many hotels don’t have SPA or massage treatments, so you can complement them with home service and different experiences.

After a day of walking, there is absolutely nothing far better than an excellent foot and back massage in a peaceful atmosphere.

  1. The perfect gift to be the most efficient host.

Do you have visitors and intend to stun them with as much interest as possible? Make your holiday complete by offering a specialist massage at your home. They will indeed thank you.

Would you like a massage at home? You no longer have an excuse to get a good massage, no matter where you are. At MassageRX, we offer specialized living solutions with knowledgeable therapists and a list of massage services.

Stop postponing your relaxation. Enjoy the comfortable privacy of your home. Give us a call or leave a message on our website.