One of the common injuries we treat in our Boulder office is plantar fascitis. We have had numerous successful treatment outcomes in our office by implementing Class 4 Laser Therapy in the treatment plan.
What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of bottom of the foot heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of the population. The condition is so common it is responsible for one quarter of all foot injuries. The condition is common in young runners and middle-aged women, but the majority of plantar fascia patients are over the age of 40.
The diagnosis "plantar fasciitis" encompasses disorders ranging from acute inflammation to chronic degeneration of the important connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
The plantar fascia becomes irritated and painful when the biomechanics of the foot and ankle are changed. This is typically due to tightness, weakness, or immobility paired with repetitive time on your feet from work or leisure activity.
Predisposing Factors
Collapsed arch of the foot
Rigid or immobile arch of the foot
Immobile joints of the foot
Bunion or hallux valgus
Tightness or weakness in the gastroc and soleus muscles of the calf
Hamstring tightness
Occupations or activities that involve prolonged time on your feet
How Laser Therapy Can Help
Class 4 laser therapy is a soothing medical treatment that uses focused light energy to stimulate a healing response called photobiomodulation. The cells absorb the energy triggering a biological cascade of events that leads to:
an increase in cellular metabolism
decrease in pain and inflammation
reduction in muscle spasm
improved microcirculation to injured tissue.
A typical laser therapy treatment for plantar fasciitis takes about 5-10 minutes to perform.
Full resolution of pain can be seen in an average of 6-12 visits.
Resolution of symptoms can be seen quicker in cases that also utilize other offerings in our office such as:
Chiropractic treatment to restore alignment and eliminate mobility restrictions
Physical Therapy for strengthening exercises to eliminate weakness
Massage Therapy, Dry Needling, and Active Release Technique to decrease muscle tension.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis relief
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is likely that you need to have a full evaluation performed by our doctors to identify the weakness and compensation that triggered your symptoms. In your first appointment you will learn the cause of your symptoms, receive treatment, learn targeted exercises, and have a plan to return to pain free activity. This typically involves foot, core, or gluteus strengthening, and increasing hip stability.
Active Release Technique for Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Active release technique (ART) is a non-invasive, hands-on diagnostic process of evaluating and treating musculoskeletal problems in the body. ART works by releasing tight and inflamed muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia after injury and overuse.
ART is a fantastic tool for releasing the tension in your hamstrings, calves, arch of your foot, and improving pain free range of movement.
Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Dry Needling is a technique that uses acupuncture needles to release tight, stubborn, muscles quickly. Unlike other hands on techniques, the needle can penetrate deeper into tissues to help manually release the muscle and stimulate a healing response. In cases of plantar fasciitis, we can use the needles to release knots in your lower legs.