Eliminating Pain With Massage for Plantar Fasciitis

massage for plantar fasciitis calgary NW

If you've ever struggled with plantar fasciitis, you understand how uncomfortable it is: it's the feeling of being pierced in the heel with a hot needle again and again with every action you take. When you walk or run, specifically on materials that are unyielding and hard, the pressure exerted by your body weight can trigger stress on the plantar fascia (the strand of tissue that connects your toes to your heel).

Over time, this stress can turn into the persistent pain and inflammation we call plantar fasciitis. With the relentless ache of plantar fasciitis, your ability to manage the pain-- and your determination to maintain daily life as usual-- is put to the test.

Regrettably, there are no magic cures for plantar fasciitis. However there are different treatments for plantar fasciitis, and among the best methods is massage therapy. Not only is massage treatment economical and widely available, but it is also shown effective in relieving plantar fascia pain.

Calf stretching, cold therapy (icing the affected location), and massaging your plantar fascia can all help to alleviate some or all of the acute pain. But why does massage work so well for plantar fasciitis? Let's have a look at how massage works to eliminate this frequent cause of heel discomfort.

 

So What is Massage Treatment?

Massage therapy is the use of various physical strokes and techniques to administer pressure to the soft tissues of your body. Massage therapists manipulate your muscles and connective tissues to help decrease muscle stress and pain, improve blood circulation, and support relaxation. It can be used as a form of preventive healthcare or as a therapy for unique issues including temporary pain relief from plantar fasciitis.

 

How Does Massage Relieve Pain for Plantar Fasciitis?

When you get plantar fasciitis, the tissue underneath your foot becomes irritated, puffy, and extremely tender. This can also take place in your calves if you have bad posture. Where plantar fasciitis and poor posture are concerned, massage therapy is employed to get rid of the lactic acid crystals that accumulate in the tissue of the calves and bottoms of the feet. This helps decrease inflammation and provide relief from pain.

Massage therapy is additionally believed to be helpful for treating plantar fasciitis because it increases blood circulation to the affected locations. More blood flow represents more oxygen and nutrients getting to that agonizing, inflamed tissue. That helps to hasten the restorative healing process, so you can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

 

Which Type of Massage is the Best for Plantar Fasciitis?

Given that plantar fasciitis is an uncomfortable condition, most health care professionals recommend a deep tissue massage for pain relief. Deep tissue massage is a kind of massage therapy that targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It's normally performed with tougher pressure, often making use of the therapist's knuckles or elbows.

 

Advantages of Massage Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Beyond lessening the pain of plantar fasciitis and accelerating the recovery process, massage therapy offers a number of other advantages:

  • Enhances Sleep - Getting a massage is an excellent method to relax and quiet your body down before you drop off to sleep. It can be a helpful way to decrease tension, decompress after a long day, and improve your sleep quality.
  • Lessens Depression and Anxiety - A massage can be a great way to attend to emotions of stress and anxiety and unhappiness. It is a form of self-care that will deeply unwind your body, mind, and spirit.
  • Improves Your Body's Immune System - When you're stressed or nervous, your system goes into its fight or flight mode. This causes your immune system to minimize its effectiveness to avoid overspending energy.

 

How Often Should You Have Massage for Plantar Fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis, you should have a massage at least once a week. For the best outcomes, you may try integrating massage therapy with other forms of treatment, such as icing, stretching, and employing supportive insoles and shoes. Be sure to talk with your massage therapist about the ideal frequency for your massage appointments.

 

How to Choose a Fantastic Massage Therapist

When you're looking for a massage therapist, the first thing you should do is to ask around. See if any friends or loved ones can suggest a massage therapist they've had a positive experience with. Beyond that, there are a couple of other ways you may discover a terrific massage therapist:

It's recommended to select a therapist who focuses on sports massage. Sports massage is a kind of massage therapy that concentrates on the particular requirements of athletes, including muscles, joints, and other soft tissues like the plantar fascia. To be effective, a sports massage therapist ought to be trained in biomechanics and anatomy.

  • Examine online evaluations - You can find reviews for most massage therapists online. Be sure to look for reviews from patients that have comparable needs as you do.
  • Inspect your insurance coverage - If you have medical insurance, it might pay for massage therapy. Prior to making a visit, check to see if massage therapy is covered under your insurance plan.
  • Ask your doctor - Your doctor knows you best. If you have plantar fasciitis and you're trying to find a massage therapist, ask your physician for a recommendation.

 

Conclusion

When you have plantar fasciitis, you can suffer from a great deal of pain and discomfort. One fantastic means to eliminate this aching is by receiving on-going massage treatments. Massage therapy can help to dissolve lactic acid crystals, increase blood flow, and accelerate the recuperation process.

Call Country Hills Physiotherapy soon and we can start alleviating your plantar fasciitis discomfort. Now scheduling new appointments!

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