Graston Technique® Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is heel pain that is caused by inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel. Inflammation tends to occur when that band of tissue is overused or overstretched. This condition can become chronic and be painful to the extent that normal activities cannot be enjoyed and walking becomes a challenge.

Those who are more likely to get plantar fasciitis are those who have arch problems (flat feet and high arches), runners, tight Achilles tendon, wearing shoes with poor support or soft soles and those who experience rapid weight gain.

Graston Technique®

The Graston Technique^® has rapidly become the treatment of choice by many health practitioners and this technique is part of the curriculum at almost thirty colleges and universities across North America.

Research on this innovative technique started in the mid 1990’s and it didn’t take long before athletes were using this method of treatment with soft tissue injuries. Michael Phelps, an American swimming Olympian has spoken highly of how The Graston Technique^® has helped him.

Graston Technique® And Plantar Fasciitis

Successful treatment of plantar fasciitis involves stretching the tendons, muscles, and fascia of the foot and calf muscle. The Graston Technique^® is a proven method of successfully stretching these tissues and muscles affected by plantar fasciitis. Getting the range of motion back and reducing pain as quickly as possible is important.

This technique uses instruments made from stainless steel that the therapist uses over the affected area. There are a variety of instruments available to the trained therapist, all are shaped and weighted differently so that depending on the area being treated, the best instrument is used. In order to properly treat plantar fasciitis an instrument is used along the large muscle In the calf, another in the bulge in the heel area on the arch side and another in the small area where the big toes connects to the foot.

The therapist presses the instrument into the affected area and moves it across the area in need of treatment. Many patients may have scar tissue that also causes some pain and this treatment method deals with these problems also. When the therapist manipulates the instrument across an area, there may be a bumpy area felt, this is either scar tissue or an adhesion. During Graston Technique® treatment, the gentle pulling across the tissue helps to break up the scar tissue or adhesions which free the tissue for improving the range of motion. Many patients find that during the course of their treatment they can resume activities

If you suffer with plantar fasciitis this type of rehabilitation therapy will get you back to normal activities quickly. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a convenient location and qualified health professionals to help you get on the road to recovery. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information on the Graston Technique^®.