Can Massage Therapy Help with Plantar Fasciitis?

If you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, you may be wondering if massage therapy can help. The answer is yes! Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, as it helps to increase blood flow to the area and reduce tension. Professional massage therapists and physical therapists can show you how to do stretches, exercises, and massage techniques that can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Deep tissue massage therapy is the technique of choice for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

This type of massage focuses on applying pressure to the underlying musculature with slow, strong movements. Pulling on the thumb (also known as extension massage) can also help to reduce strain on the foot. Thumb presses are an easy massage to perform and are an excellent starting point, especially in sensitive and painful areas. You can use a massage ball or a foam roller for this technique.

Adding cold therapy to a traditional massage can also help reduce inflammation while reaping the benefits of previous techniques. Consistent massage has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Just like going to the gym and eating healthy more than once is necessary to start seeing results, regular massage is key for better results. To do this, the goal is to unload the tissue around the plantar fascia and ensure that everything has optimal movement to promote blood flow.

This will decrease tension before activity and reduce pain, and performing consistent massages will help to effectively control pain in the long term. Along with exercise and stretching, regular massage will allow you to stay on top of symptoms and may even be an effective treatment for flat feet and heel spurs. If you're looking for more information on treatments that have been shown to be effective for plantar fasciitis, AMTA offers a variety of rigorously vetted continuing education classes and training in massage therapy.

Florence Baird
Florence Baird

Award-winning tv practitioner. Typical tv expert. Incurable organizer. Incurable zombie scholar. Infuriatingly humble twitter specialist.