Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis will do just about anything to relieve the pain associated with this condition, including trying reflexology.
Over the last 20 years that I have been practicing reflexology, the number of patients calling with the above question has skyrocketed.
It appears that word is getting out that reflexology does indeed help plantar fascia issues.
How does reflexology help with plantar fasciitis?
Reflexologists are experts at digging in the plantar aponeurosis (thick fibrous connective tissue) on the bottom of the feet, using acupressure from the thumbs.
This pressure stretches the inflamed fascia forcing interstitial fluid in and out of the membrane. Plantar nerve cells responsible for gauging tears, are softly subdued after stretch, reestablishing homeostasis.
Well, that’s the short of it.
Many wonder how you get plantar fasciitis in the first place, and what is it really?
I like to give the example of a fresh (out of the box) trampoline. Fascia, like the trampoline, connects and holds amazing forces when pressure is applied. When young, the plantar fascia (on the bottom of the feet) is flexible, fluid, strong and protecting, as these are easy to get from https://soft-play-equipment.co.uk/trampoline-park-installation/.
Without it your bones and ligaments would fly apart within a few steps.
As we get older our plantar aponeurosis becomes dry, brittle, tight and lacks flexibility, like an old sun-dried trampoline.
Now, jump on it and see what happens! Tear, rip, bang!
Plantar fasciitis is the micro tearing of the fascia on the bottom of the feet and this makes the nerves scream and inflame.
Plantar inflammation makes those first few steps in the morning miserable. And when the feet hurt so does the whole body.
So you’re told to wear shoes (tight ones at that) to protect the feet. And the more you protect your feet the more brittle the fascia becomes. Maddening!
You try an Epsom salts bath. Nothing. You try cortisone shots. Nothing. You try laser therapy. Nothing. And the list goes on.
Then someone points you to an LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) who performs reflexology, and you wonder ‘how that could possibly help’?
foot reflexology
Well, it’s been my experience that it helps most individuals I see that have this condition for one reason. Whats that?
Lateral deviation of both fibrous and soft tissues.
Let me explain: Pretend plantar fascia runs north and south and that it normally stretches in that direction. What if you were to stretch it east and west? That is lateral movement and that is what a skilled acupressurist can do.
They can go east, west, northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast ext. They can also thumb-drive from superficial (skin level) to deep (bones).
Still with me?
Those purposeful strokes bring life back into the connective tissue of the feet. And when the fascia becomes fluid again the pain receptors quit screaming.
So how long does it take for reflexology to help some with plantar fasciitis?
It depends on how long the patient has had the condition. Because the longer they have had the dysfunction, the more painful the treatment is in the beginning.
And for some, the last thing they want is someone pressing hard on those sore puppies.
So we have to use softer pressure in the beginning and increase pressure through the subsequent visits.
Three to five visits seems to reveal if reflexology will curb the patient’s plantar fasciitis. Actually, I say if it does not help by visit 4 it’s not going to help that individual and they should try something else.
Reflexology is not a cure-all and should never replace seeing your doctor. However, it is a complement to those services and we have had great success in helping those who suffer.
What do doctors say causes plantar fasciitis?
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Obesity – The extra weight puts undue stress on the fascia.
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Falling Arch – When the muscles no longer hold a proper arch, the foot flattens and the fascia tears.
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Age – Somewhere it begins between age 40 and age 60. That is what I call the trampoline effect.
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Occupation – Do you stand on concrete floors all day?
No matter the cause, we all must admit our feet are amazing for what they do for us all in our lifetime. We need to treat them with as much love as we can.
Reflexology does just that for plantar fasciitis.
Doug Holland, LMT
Here are a few of our reviews from Google.
Bill Bogan,
“No magic wand cures or fixes here. No hoaxes or long term sign-ups. Honest and open advise and services to help those with acute aches and pains.
2 years ago my Plantar Fasciitis was extreme to the point I couldn’t touch my foot. Presently, Doug digs in during reflexology and deep tissue treatments and I feel better every treatment.
Take of yourself and you’ll take of everyone around you much better. Well worth every minute, every dig and stretch, easily the most bang for my buck I’ve ever gotten.
Thank you Doug, I can walk freely again.”
Christina Hardy,
“I was introduced to him as a great reflexologist over one year ago from a massage therapist that I knew. She was right; he is fantastic.
My plantar fasciitis is 100% better now.
Now that he is also a licensed as a massage therapist, I have begun working with him to use his medical massage expertise to work on my chronic neck, shoulder and arm pain. He has already found the source of the issue and is working to heal it.
Doug is a true healer. He takes great delight in learning everything that he can to problem solve and heal complicated physical issues.
Without fail he gives his full hearted and sincere effort to healing the physical issues that you bring to him.
I HIGHLY recommend Doug!”
Christina Hardy
Colleen Krafcik,
“I have had plantar fasciitis and foot pain for years from working on cement floors. Thanks to Holland Reflexology I have happy feet again!”
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For Doug’s book on reflexology click the image 