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Plantar Fasciitis and the Benefits of Massage
Massage General Courses

Plantar Fasciitis and the Benefits of Massage

Author(s): Garry Adkins

2CE credits 11 Lessons Text

Discover massage techniques that can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain. Learn how plantar fasciitis affects the foot and the soft tissue restrictions that often occur with it. Understand the massage therapy contraindications for this condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that doesn’t discriminate. Athletes, for example, may experience plantar fasciitis when they train past their pain threshold or aren’t careful about self-care. Even the average person can ignore a nagging discomfort that usually signals injury is inevitable if they don’t slow down and pay attention.

Massage therapists have a unique skill-set that makes them a good partner in dealing with both the pain and causes of plantar fasciitis. Following, you will learn about how the plantar fascia functions, some key ways plantar fasciitis develops and how massage can help you help your clients get back to their active routines.

This article does not constitute professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring that any new modalities, techniques, or products you use comply with your state's defined scope of practice and standard of care for massage therapy. (See amtamassage.org/state-regulations).

When you finish this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify the anatomy of the foot and other structures related to plantar fasciitis.
  • Define the pathology associated with plantar fasciitis and the common soft tissue restrictions associated with plantar fasciitis.
  • Discuss the most recent research findings pertaining to plantar fasciitis.
  • Explain techniques that benefit plantar fasciitis.
  • Assess the contraindications of massage for plantar fasciitis.

  1. What is Plantar Fasciitis?
  2. The Connection Between the Plantar Fascia and Other Structures
  3. Plantar Fasciitis by the Numbers
  4. Plantar Fasciitis: What We Know About Its Causes
  5. Common Modalities Your Clients Might Try
  6. Myofascial Release: How This Technique May Help Clients With Plantar Fasciitis
  7. The Gift of Gravity
  8. Myofascial Release: How Working With Related Structures Can Help Clients
  9. Dynamic Stretching Protocols to Help Clients Better Understand Their Bodies
  10. Self-Care Your Client Can Practice at Home
  11. Resources

Garry Adkins was a massage therapist for the U.S. Olympic team at the Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships. He was also a member of the 2002 Winter Olympic Massage team in Salt Lake City. In addition to his current massage practice, Gary often speaks at national conferences and universities.