Plantar Faciitis

I have been presented with several people with Plantar Faciitis recently. There is an interesting article at MassageMag.com on the pathology, assessment & evaluation, treatment and massage. Below is the beginning on the segment on massage.

"Massage techniques"

"Massage techniques are quite helpful for plantar fasciitis. Longitudinal stripping methods applied to the bottom surface of the foot will help reduce tension in the intrinsic flexor muscles. It will also maintain better tone in those tissues. Some practitioners advocate performing most of the longitudinal stripping methods toward the calcaneus in order not to create additional tensile stress on the plantar fascia."

"Deep transverse friction may be used directly on the plantar fascia to stimulate fibroblast activity and tissue healing from chronic overuse. However, caution should be used in applying friction massage near the attachment on the calcaneus because of the possibility of a bone spur. Since the practitioner will not know whether a bone spur is present, it is best to assume that one might be there. The client’s pain will generally be a good guide as to how much pressure may be used with various massage techniques. Pressure that is too painful for the client should not be used."

for the complete article