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Massage for plantar fasciitis can be an important part of treatment. The symptoms of this condition typically include foot, especially heel, pain that is worse early in the morning, after sitting or standing for a long time, or at the start of a sporting activity.
The
plantar fascia is a broad band of tissue that starts at the heel and runs along the sole of the foot to the ball. Plantar
fasciitis has often been thought of as a condition caused by chronic
inflammation but recent research suggests the condition is due more to
the breakdown of collagen in the tissue (often following an episode of
inflammation). Collagen is a protein essential to supporting body
tissues.
Some sources distinguish between plantar fasciitis, inflammation caused by initial microtears in the fascia, and plantar fasciosis, continuing pain after initial inflammation goes away and the collagen begins to break down.
Let’s look at the symptoms and how to use massage and essential oils for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Microtears occur in the fascia either because of direct injury or, more commonly, repeated trauma, such as running, sitting at a desk with your heels off the floor for long periods of time, or standing all day, especially on a hard surface. Poorly fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes, contribute to the problem.
The first symptom of this foot injury is usually dull, intermittent pain in the heel. Often the pain eventually becomes sharp and persistent not only in the heel but also mid-sole or near the toes.
If the plantar fascia sustains a lot of damage, heel spurs (excess bone growth) can develop. Sometimes, plantar fasciitis is called heel spur syndrome. However, the spurs don’t cause the initial pain but are another symptom of the problem.
Because the foot is difficult to rest, pain gradually becomes
worse. The fascia gets tighter and tighter, and adhesions and scar
tissue form. Massage for plantar fasciitis
can release tension in the foot and surrounding muscles and break up
the adhesions/scar tissue.
Massage for Plantar Fasciitis
Having a professional massage from someone who understands how to work gently with your feet is a great way to reduce plantar fasciitis. Between visits you can also use a plantar fasciitis massage ball.
Feel free to give a copy of the following instructions to your massage therapist.
Important Note to Massage Therapist: Make sure to use a stretch and pressure well within the pain tolerance level of each client. This problem didn’t occur overnight and time is required to lengthen the muscles and restore the muscle memory. Too much stretch can cause excruciating pain, which defeats the whole purpose of the massage because the pain causes the muscle and fascia to tighten up even more.
- With the client lying face down, lift one foot off the table, bending the knee so that the knee is resting on the massage table and the sole of the foot is toward the ceiling.
- Take all the toes in one hand and move the toes gently in the direction of the massage table, holding each stretch no longer than two seconds. As you apply the stretch, use the thumb of your other hand to apply light-to-moderate pressure on the sole of the foot, starting at the heel. Repeat the stretch, applying pressure along the sole, moving from the heel to the toes.
- Now ask your client to actively dorsiflex the foot to stretch the flexor digitorum longus, holding each stretch no longer than two seconds. At the same time, apply light-to-moderate pressure to the belly of this muscle, starting distally (on the lower calf, just above where the muscle tendon crosses the heel from the bottom of the foot) and moving toward the origin on the medial back surface of the tibia a few inches below the knee.
- Let the client’s leg rest and finish with a couple of minutes of soothing, relaxing massage to the foot and lower leg.
Repeat this massage procedure at least once a week (twice can produce much faster results, if it’s not too much for the client’s foot). Although this massage routine uses pin and stretch techniques, another option is longitudinal stripping methods and cautiously applied transverse friction.
Essential Oils for Plantar Fasciitis
You can also use essential oils to help manage the pain of plantar fasciitis.
For a foot rub:
- 1 drop helichrysum essential oil
- 1 drop lemongrass essential oil
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil
Blend the oils and gently massage your feet.
For a foot bath:
- 3 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
- 3 drops myrrh essential oil
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil
Blend the oils. Stir into a warm foot bath. Soak your feet.
Source: Essential Oils For Healing
More essential oils for foot care.
Suggested Books: Plantar Fasciitis Survival Guide or Real Help For Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis Video
Image Credits: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons