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

Just Relax!

Especially at this time of the year - daylight hours drastically reduced, family gatherings over the holidays, pressure to buy gifts - there are lots of things that can trigger stress. Here is an article by Frederic Luskin Ph.D. published in Parade Magazine: September 24, 2006 on stress and how to take the upper hand.

"Stress is your body’s normal response to a threat of any kind, and the “danger” does not have to be huge: It can be running late for a meeting or having an argument with a friend or colleague. Even if the danger is small, our bodies release chemicals that have a galvanizing effect on every cell. Many Americans today—facing long hours at work, financial pressures and problems with spouses and children— constantly are under stress. Even childhood is not as simple as it once was, and adolescents have a full vocabulary of stress."

By Frederic Luskin Ph.D.

Published - Parade Magazine: September 24, 2006

for complete article