The plantar fascia is a strong and flexible band of tissue that starts from the heel bone (calcaneus) and extends along the entire bottom surface of the foot towards the toes. This connective tissue plays a vital role in supporting the arch of the foot and facilitating smooth movement during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. In addition to providing structural support, the plantar fascia also acts as a shock absorber, absorbing the impact generated with each step. Any excessive stress or damage to the plantar fascia can lead to a condition called plantar fasciitis, causing pain and discomfort in the heel and sole of the foot. Maintaining good foot health and taking necessary precautions are essential in preventing such issues and ensuring proper functionality of the plantar fascia.
Trigger points are areas of increased sensitivity and tightness found within the fascia of skeletal muscles. These points can become tender and uncomfortable when pressure is applied, leading to a characteristic jump response and localized pain.
Static Pressure
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition where the tissue covering the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, resulting in a sharp, stabbing pain. Fortunately, there are various techniques available to manage and relieve the symptoms of this condition.
One such therapy is trigger point therapy. Trigger points are small knots of tension found in overworked muscles that create pain that radiates to other areas.
Pressure point therapy has proven itself an effective treatment option for Plantar Fasciitis. According to one study, half of participants who received this form of pressure point therapy reported reduced pain levels and improved physical functioning following treatment.
Static pressure therapy is another popular approach used for treating injuries. This simple procedure entails applying steady static pressure to sensitive areas for short periods, providing relief.
Kneading
Kneading is a deep tissue massage technique that uses force to compress and break down collagen fibres within muscles, helping relieve stiffness, reduce pain and increase movement.
Aerobic exercise can also be used to break up adhesions and scar tissue. Furthermore, it helps restore muscle elasticity – essential for flexibility, balance, power and stamina.
As you knead the affected area, your muscles and blood vessels are activated to increase capillarisation and vasodilation; thereby increasing blood flow to deliver additional oxygen and nutrients to the area in need.
As with traditional dough kneading, two key proteins within flour such as gliadin and glutenin combine together during this process to form strands of gluten.
Rolling
Trigger points (also referred to as tender lumps) are areas in your muscle that spasm when compressed, releasing waste products stored there while helping relax underlying muscle groups.
Use a foam roller or massage ball to find and release trigger points. These devices come in various sizes and shapes designed to target specific muscles or areas that need work.
Foam rolling can also help break up fascia – the covering over connective tissues like muscles, bone and cartilage – which can improve circulation and movement within your body. By doing so, foam rolling may aid in increasing circulation and aiding normal bodily processes.
Dry needling can also be an effective technique for relieving trigger points and myofascial knots that may be causing pain elsewhere in your body. A skilled intervention, it uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate skin surface to access myofascial trigger points as well as muscular and connective tissue beneath.
Dry Needling
Dry needling, also referred to as an acupuncture-like technique, is a noninvasive trigger point therapy often employed in treating plantar fasciitis pain. While traditional acupuncture seeks to alleviate pain through stimulating the central nervous system, dry needling targets trigger points in muscle and tissue instead.
Trigger points are small areas of hyperirritability in muscles. Although trigger points can often be treated through stretching and massage techniques, they are sometimes difficult to release completely.
Needling trigger points causes microtrauma to the injured tissue at its source, stimulating blood circulation and reducing swelling while providing essential nutrients for healing. Furthermore, needled trigger points also relax nerves that could be contributing to pain.
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