The plantar fascia, a band of muscles, tendons and ligaments which runs from your toes to your heels, can become stiff and tight for a number of reasons; commonly, poor fitting shoes, walking or standing on hard tile or concrete floors, a lack of exercise and ageing. When the band becomes stiff and tight, tiny fibres begin to tear away from the bone, resulting in inflammation and pain – most often in the heel area. Some people try using gel pads, purchase (often expensive) shoes with medial arch support or have cortisone injections for the pain, but these are not always successful. To resolve the pain and stop the inflammation, the plantar fascia needs to become strong and stretchy again.

For some people, Bowen Therapy successfully resolves the pain of Plantar Fasciitis. During a treatment, we gently manipulate the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the feet as well as provide a whole body Bowen Therapy treatment. Circulation is stimulated, muscle fibres ‘untangled’ and the plantar fascia is helped as a result. Most clients report feeling much better overall because a Bowen Therapy treatment addresses back, shoulder and other joint issues at the same time.  In many cases, three or four appointments, spaced over a few weeks, are enough to give long-lasting relief.

Step Forward Orthotics are another helpful approach for the pain of Plantar Fasciitis. These flexible, preformed orthotics provide support for all three arches of the foot – medial, lateral and transverse arches – and provide a correctly shaped platform for your feet. The orthotic is constructed to be the correct anatomical shape of a foot and over a period of time the foot moulds to the orthotic, allowing the fascia to strengthen and become more elastic. Because the orthotics flex they exercise the foot muscles as you walk.

Step Forward Orthotics come with a 10 year product guarantee, a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and they fit into most shoes so there is no need to purchase expensive footwear to get your feet back into shape. I’ve been wearing them for a number of years and can honestly say they’re one of the best things I ever did for my feet.

If you’d like more information about how Bowen Therapy or Step Forward Orthotics may be able to help you with the pain of Plantar Fasciitis, please ask a question below, send an email or call the clinic on 0417 636 582.

Here’s to happy, healthy feet!

Laurie

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