ANKLE & FOOT
Plantar Fasciitis
Osteopathic treatment for plantar fasciitis · Hawthorn East, Melbourne
● Very common overuse injury ● Affects athletes & general population ● Not inflammatory
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury caused by repetitive strain and micro-tears of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot running from your heel to your toes. Despite the name, this condition is not inflammatory. It results from repetitive micro-tears, collagen disruption, and thickening of the tissue. At Body Align Osteo, we take a holistic approach to identifying and addressing the root cause of your heel and foot pain.
DO YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS?
● Sharp heel or arch pain
● Pain is worse getting out of bed in the morning
● Pain after prolonged standing or activity
● Calf tightness accompanying heel pain
● Difficulty bearing weight through the affected foot
● Pain that eases upon movement but returns after rest
COMMON CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
- Overuse or a sudden increase in activity level
- Poor footwear or a recent change in footwear
- Flat feet or high arches
- Recent change in walking or running mechanics
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing or walking in heavy footwear
- Increase in body weight or age-related changes to foot structure
OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Your osteopath will assess the entire musculoskeletal system — including gait, posture, and biomechanics of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine — to identify what is contributing to your pain and correct it at the source. Osteopathic treatment may include:
● Shockwave or Laser Therapy
Your osteopath can use shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue regeneration, increase blood flow, break down scar tissue, and reduce both short and long-term pain through the plantar fascia.
● Osteopathic soft tissue therapy
Hands-on osteopathic soft tissue work to release tight muscles of the lower limb and reduce tension through the plantar fascia and calf complex.
● Osteopathic joint mobilisation
To improve movement of the foot and ankle and correct contributing biomechanical dysfunction throughout the lower limb.
● Dry needling
Used by your osteopath to alleviate muscle tension, improve local blood flow, and reduce pain signals through the affected area and surrounding musculature.
● Rehab Program
A tailored program addressing gait, posture, and lower limb biomechanics to reduce stress on the plantar fascia and prevent recurrence long-term.
Gentle osteopathic mobilisation techniques to restore movement through the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck — addressing the full kinetic chain.
A holistic osteopathic approach to your recovery
At Body Align Osteo, our osteopath doesn't just treat the foot — we treat the whole picture. By assessing your gait, posture, and the biomechanics of your entire lower limb, we identify what is placing excess load on your plantar fascia and correct it at the source. Whether you're a runner, a tradie, or someone who spends long hours on your feet, our osteopathic treatment is tailored to your lifestyle and your goals.
Ready to get back on your feet?
Book a consultation and let's get you moving again.