Finding Relief from Plantar Fasciitis with Shockwave Therapy, Soft Tissue Therapy, and Orthotics Through Chiropractic Care

If you’ve ever experienced sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of your foot, especially after standing or walking for long periods, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. This common condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed, often leading to chronic discomfort that can interfere with your daily activities.

Fortunately, you don’t have to endure this pain. At Inlet Integrated Health Centre, we specialize in a comprehensive approach to treating plantar fasciitis that includes shockwave therapy, soft tissue therapy, and the use of orthotics through chiropractic care. These therapies work together to address the underlying causes of the condition, reduce pain, and promote long-term healing.

Read on to learn how these treatments can help you get back on your feet—pain-free!

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. Overuse, improper foot mechanics, and other factors can cause microtears or inflammation in the plantar fascia, resulting in pain.

Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

• Pain and tenderness along the bottom of the foot or arch.

• Stiffness and discomfort after standing or walking for long periods.

• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic pain and difficulty walking, affecting your daily life and overall mobility.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractors focus on restoring balance to the body, addressing issues with posture, biomechanics, and the musculoskeletal system as a whole. Plantar fasciitis often results from mechanical issues in the feet, legs, or even the spine, which can contribute to abnormal stress on the plantar fascia. Chiropractic care aims to restore proper alignment and biomechanics, reducing the strain on the plantar fascia and promoting healing.

1. Spinal and Joint Adjustments

One of the main goals of chiropractic care is to ensure that the body is properly aligned. Misalignments in the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities can alter the way you walk or stand, placing additional pressure on the feet and leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis. Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal and joint mobilizations, help to restore balance and proper alignment, alleviating the stress on the feet and reducing pain in the plantar fascia.

2. Addressing Biomechanical Issues

Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat biomechanical imbalances that contribute to plantar fasciitis. This may include assessing the alignment of the feet, legs, and hips to identify gait issues, flat feet, or abnormal arch height. Through adjustments, stretches, and exercises, chiropractic care helps restore proper foot mechanics, reducing the strain on the plantar fascia.

3. Orthotics for Proper Foot Support

Custom orthotics are often recommended by chiropractors to address foot abnormalities such as flat feet, high arches, or overpronation, which can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide extra support to the foot, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. When used in combination with chiropractic adjustments, orthotics can provide long-term relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Shockwave therapy is a highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, particularly when the condition has become chronic. This non-invasive therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the healing process in damaged tissues, promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. Shockwave therapy is often used when other treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief.

1. How Shockwave Therapy Works

During shockwave therapy, a handheld device sends acoustic waves to the affected area of the foot, specifically targeting the plantar fascia. These waves stimulate blood flow, break down scar tissue, and encourage the formation of new collagen fibers, helping the damaged tissue heal more effectively. The therapy also helps reduce pain by desensitizing the nerve endings in the area.

2. Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

• Pain relief: Shockwave therapy reduces pain and inflammation by improving circulation and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.

• Accelerates healing: By stimulating the production of collagen, shockwave therapy helps regenerate damaged tissues, promoting faster recovery.

• Non-invasive: Unlike surgery or injections, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option, making it a safe alternative for individuals seeking to avoid more invasive procedures.

• Long-lasting results: Many patients experience long-term relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms after completing a series of shockwave therapy sessions.

Soft Tissue Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

In addition to chiropractic care and shockwave therapy, soft tissue therapy is an essential component of a comprehensive plantar fasciitis treatment plan. Soft tissue therapy involves various hands-on techniques designed to release tension, improve flexibility, and reduce scar tissue in the muscles and tendons.

1. Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage

Myofascial release and deep tissue massage techniques are commonly used to target tight muscles and fascia in the feet, calves, and lower legs. These techniques help release trigger points and adhesions that can contribute to the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. By improving the flexibility of the tissues and reducing muscle tension, soft tissue therapy helps alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia and promotes faster healing.

2. Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a specific type of soft tissue therapy that focuses on breaking down scar tissue and adhesions in the fascia and muscles. ART practitioners use precise pressure and movements to release tight areas and improve the mobility of the foot and lower leg. This technique is especially helpful in treating plantar fasciitis, as it targets the exact areas where the plantar fascia becomes irritated and inflamed.

3. Stretching and Rehabilitation Exercises

Soft tissue therapy is often combined with rehabilitation exercises and stretching routines designed to improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the feet, calves, and lower legs. Stretching the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles helps prevent future injuries and reduces the strain placed on the foot. Strengthening exercises also help improve the function of the foot and ankle, supporting better alignment and reducing the risk of recurring pain.

The Benefits of Combining Chiropractic Care, Shockwave Therapy, and Soft Tissue Therapy

At Inlet Integrated Health Centre, we understand that plantar fasciitis requires a multi-faceted approach for effective treatment. By combining chiropractic care, shockwave therapy, and soft tissue therapy, we address the root causes of the condition and provide comprehensive relief.

Here’s how the combination of therapies works together:

• Chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment and biomechanics, addressing the underlying causes of foot strain and abnormal movement patterns.

• Shockwave therapy accelerates tissue healing, reduces pain, and promotes circulation in the damaged plantar fascia.

• Soft tissue therapy releases tight muscles, improves flexibility, and breaks down scar tissue, reducing pressure on the plantar fascia and preventing further injury.

By addressing all aspects of plantar fasciitis, we help you achieve long-lasting relief and improve your overall foot health.

Start Your Recovery from Plantar Fasciitis Today

If you’re dealing with the pain of plantar fasciitis, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Inlet Integrated Health Centre, we offer a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to treating this condition, combining chiropractic care, shockwave therapy, and soft tissue therapy to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function.

Don’t let plantar fasciitis hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to pain-free living. Our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way!