Massage For Heel Pain

Treating Plantar Faciitis with Neuromuscular Therapy

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Before deciding to use massage for heel pain, it's best to fully understand the nature of this often disabling problem. It may be that it started out as just a light nagging pain in your heel that seemed to come and go. Over time, your heel pain seemed to stay longer and longer. Eventually, it became an agonizing walk to the bathroom each morning after you just got out of bed. You lived with it awhile, but then you realized that you could not bear it any more. You finally scheduled that appointment at your doctor’s office.

“Well, I can’t see much here on the x-ray”, states your physician, “I’d say you have Plantar Fasciitis.” He hands you a prescription for some anti-inflammatory medication, an instruction sheet for some home exercises, and perhaps a ice/cold pack. “We’ll give this a try for now, if it doesn’t improve in a month or so, maybe we’ll try a shot of cortisone”, your doctor concludes. (Note at this time, he does not suggest massage for heel pain as a possible treatment option, but that doesn't mean YOU can't ask).

What has happened? You have just been diagnosed with one of the most common sources of heel pain- Plantar Fasciitis. It is easy to simplify this repetitive use condition. You have inflammation of the plantar fascia, the sheet-like tendon of connective tissue on the bottom of your foot connecting your heel to the ball of your foot and your toes.

Within this great band of connective tissue, there are a few small muscles that provide you with the ability to push the ball of your foot off the ground as you take a step or run. For some reason, this tissue has been repeatedly tearing away from your heel.


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As simple as all this may sound, typically there is much more going on. Opinions vary greatly as to the cause of Plantar Fasciitis. Some say there is a genetic disposition. Others contend that flat feet are the cause. Still, others will point out the involvement of a high arch. While many hold their ground that this is strictly a foot problem, there are some that see it as a complex condition involving the foot and calf muscles. There are even a few who say that the plantar fascia is not involved and that it is strictly a muscular problem in the calves.

Who is correct? Here is the truth: Every “body” is different. It might be fair to say each theory has its merits. It depends on the individual.

While the condition can affect almost anyone, there are two common groups of people with Plantar Fasciitis: overweight people and runners. In many cases, the common factor is always the highly developed calf muscles seen in both groups. As the musculature develops, it is typically done so in a shortened state. As muscle tissue hypertrophies, it becomes shorter and tighter.

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Calf muscles connect down to the backside of the heel via the Achilles tendon. Now here’s the rub: your heel gets tugged by your calf muscles one way, and at the same time, it gets tugged in nearly the opposite direction by your foot muscles via the plantar fascia. The highly developed calf muscles win this tug-of-war, and the plantar fascia tears. Additionally, should this process repeat itself, a heel spur may form.

While your doctor may have the best intentions for your well being, the treatments he has recommended are only part of a complete recovery program. What your doctor may not be aware of is that massage for heel pain through Neuromuscular Therapy is effective in aiding in the recovery process of Plantar Fasciitis.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (NMT) is a specialized form of massage therapy which has shown effective results in treating the pain and dysfunction caused by Plantar Fasciitis. This type of massage for heel pain focuses on lengthening shortened, tight muscles and fascia. The massage style is clinical and goal oriented. Patient self-care stretching is also an essential part of the treatment plan. Additionally, postural education is given to prevent the condition from returning.


It is important to keep in mind that recovery from Plantar Fasciitis is a slow process. Typically, most patients will wait a long time before seeking help. This procrastination only lengthens the recovery time of this common, but treatable malady. If you have heel pain, see your doctor today for a diagnosis. Begin massage for heel pain as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be pain free.

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Sean Slovik (321) 725-2438
BS LMT MA38170
"Massage Therapist in Melbourne FL" at the
Natural Approach Acupuncture & Massage Center
MM 15764
1101 W. Hibiscus Blvd. #105
Melbourne, FL 32901


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