Stepping in the right direction: Plantar Fasciitis and the Power of Myotherapy

By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that has piqued my interest as I have also suffered from it and since I have had it I have grown a passion in treating it and fighting it off for good.

But what is Plantar Fasciitis? 
Plantar Fasciitis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterised by heel pain that is exacerbated by weight-bearing activity and after extended periods of rest or sedentary behaviour - but what does this mean in english?

Fundamentally Plantar Fasciitis is a long term (comes up repeatedly over a few months) pain at the bottom of the foot this can be heel or arch of the foot. It is worse after sitting or lying down, and it is most commonly felt first thing in the morning when you get up from bed but can be brought on after long periods of walking or standing.

Studies have shown that Plantar Fasciitis affects 10% of adults in their lifetime and is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, but can affect a younger population of habitual runners or those that are just highly active.

Where does it come from/ how do you get it? Plantar Fasciitis is multifactorial but has commonly been linked with; High impact exercise; Obesity; prolonged standing/sitting; flat feet; occupational use of equipment like heavy safety boots; and is highly prevalent in runners. 

Common practice for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis includes stretching and exercises for the muscles around the ankle and sole of the foot, as well as using orthotics for the shoes you wear, and potentially using a glucocorticoid injection (Ouch).

Did you know that there is another treatment option focusing on pain management making it much easier to do everything you need to do day to day without that constant ache in the feet nagging at you - but what is this miracle cure?
Say hello to myofascial dry needling or MDN for short, MDN is a technique used by myotherapists and other healthcare professionals to treat myofascial pain and muscle tightness. It involves inserting acupuncture needles into trigger points (or “knots”) in a  muscle to stimulate a healing response and release tension.
Not to be confused with acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow, MDN targets muscular issues directly, aiming to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.

Many studies have supported the notion that MDN can be used in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis and some studies have found that the use of MDN on the gastrocnemius and soleus (muscles in the calves) had a statistically significant (≥95% of participants experienced improvement) reduction in plantar fascial pain moderate (2 weeks post treatment) to long term (4 weeks post treatment) for most subjects.

What does this mean for you? With reduced pain you are able to do the exercise needed to help strengthen and support your ankle and heel meaning if you take an active role post treatment your Plantar Fasciitis may not come back.
For others who may not be capable to be more active in their recovery the ability to be pain free for up to 4 weeks is enough and they can seek regular maintenance treatments monthly or bimonthly to control pain.

Ready to take the first step towards relief from Plantar Fasciitis? Book your session at Simple Wellness Myotherapy today and experience the transformative benefits of myofascial dry needling. Take charge of your recovery and bid farewell to foot pain for good!

Simple Wellness Myotherapy is located at Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178 Contact us on (03) 8204 0970