Trigger Point Therapy - Treating Plantar Fasciitis

 Treating Plantar Fasciitis

See also - Taping for Plantar Fasciitis 

Around 10% of people experience Plantar Fasciitis at some point in their lives

One of the common misconceptions about trigger point therapy is that it is effective for short term pain relief only.

This plainly isn't true and Plantar Fasciitis (a nasty condition as anyone who has had it will tell you) is one of those conditions where we repeatedly find that we are able to provide both temporary and long term relief.

 Gastrocnemius - Common Trigger Point Sites

Plantar Fasciitis is a common disorder, which can develop in one or both feet, and causes heel pain (usually acute). 

It is the most frequent injury of the Plantar Fascia and refers to an inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. 

The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and if strained, becomes weak, swollen and inflamed.

Repeated strain can bring about small tears in the ligament causing pain and swelling, and your clients will report pain when they stand or walk.

This is one of those conditions where the client will usually have visited a family doctor; been left feeling dissatisfied; and researched on the internet, or heard from a friend that manual therapy could probably help.

Due to the high levels of pain and discomfort experienced by the majority of sufferers, clients tend to be highly motivated to seek treatment.

Thankfully, in most cases there's a lot that we can do!

Treatment - Trigger Point Therapy

Plantar Fasciitis is typically associated with trigger points in the Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Plantaris, and Quadratus Plantae muscles.

Theses trigger points are all pretty accessible and clients should be encouraged to work on them at home between treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment program.

This should usually include stretching, strengthening exercises, and often simple lifestyle changes.