Artwork by Stephanie Lochmueller, RMT, FST3, CFSC, CHN, MPS @sloch_holistic @sloch.anatomyart
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, common in runners, overweight populations and those who wear shoes with inadequate support.
Plantar Fasciitis can be a debilitating foot condition that affects the heel and the bottom of the foot. I like to call it Plantar Fasciopathy! Why? Because typically the first week of insult is related to inflammation of the heel and the calcaneal attachment of the plantar fascia. The preceding weeks are “osis’s” which are related to poor tissue glide and stiffness along the lower posterior backline related to the foot, heel and associated Achilles tendon. By the time a client comes to you with their plantar fasciitis condition, it is chronic and most likely in late stages of poor tissue glide and collagenous damage.
In addition to various physical therapies and gradual loading concepts for treatment of plantar fasciitis, creating increased tissue glide in affected areas is paramount for plantar fasciitis treatment and the reduction of pain.* Diminished pain* and increased tissue slide/glide can be realized via RockPods to introduce decompression in areas of poor tissue glide, as well as kinesiology tape to augment the neurosensory information that is related to the area. I recommend RockTape H2O, or Extra Sticky level 3 adhesive for all foot applications. Treatment of the entire posterior lower leg is necessary to affect tissue glide along the calf, Achilles and PF. Finally, progressive loading with the Pods and tape on can be achieved as proper client education of how pain and discomfort is understood, in addition to the benefits of loading in the rehabilitation process of “Plantar Fasciopathy.”
* Not clinically proven for all injuries. Our products and website are not intended to replace professional advice or treatment. Warranties and remedies are limited to replacement cost.
