Plantar Fasciitis​ Massage

A Plantar Fasciitis Massage is a hands-on therapy targeting the plantar fascia and related muscle groups to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore foot function. Techniques gently stretch, mobilize, and ease tension in the foot and lower leg, supporting tissue repair and comfort for those with chronic heel and arch pain.​

Signs & Symptoms

  • Sharp or stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel, especially with first steps in the morning

  • Aching or burning in the arch of the foot after prolonged standing or activity

  • Increased pain after exercise, sometimes radiating toward the toes or up the leg

  • Tenderness, swelling, and stiffness in the plantar fascia region

  • Occasionally, mild swelling in the heel or arch.​

Contraindications

  • Avoid deep, direct pressure over areas of acute inflammation, open wounds, or severe tenderness

  • Do not massage over active infections, bruises, or if recent foot surgery is unhealed

  • Exclude aggressive techniques with acute fractures, nerve entrapment, or severe vascular compromise

  • Modify approach in clients with advanced diabetes, poor circulation, or loss of sensation. The therapist should consult physician as needed.​

Assessment

  • Document symptom history, pain patterns, duration, aggravating activities, and morning worsening

  • Palpate for thickening, adhesions, tenderness, and tissue mobility in the plantar fascia and foot muscles

  • Assess ankle and toe range of motion, gait, and lower leg muscle tension

  • Rule out additional causes or complications (stress fracture, nerve impingement, tarsal tunnel syndrome) if pain is severe or persistent.​

Treatment

  • Deep tissue and myofascial release targeting the plantar fascia, heel, arch, and calf muscles (gastroc, soleus)​

  • Heel-of-hand massage, thumb pushes, ball rolling (tennis/lacrosse ball), and cross-friction techniques for breaking up adhesions​

  • Calf and foot stretching, trigger point therapy, and muscle energy techniques to increase flexibility and reduce tension in the kinetic chain​

  • Ice bottle massage to control pain and inflammation after activity or deep work​

  • Massage sessions should be short and repeated daily or as tolerated for best results.​

Self Care

  • Perform daily self-massage: ball rolling under the arch/heel, gentle thumb or heel-of-hand strokes​

  • Calf, plantar fascia, and toe stretches regularly; towel curls and toe flex exercises to strengthen foot muscles​

  • Apply ice bottle massage after activity for pain relief and inflammation control

  • Use proper footwear, orthotic support, and avoid barefoot walking on hard surfaces

  • Alternate rest with gentle activity and avoid running and jumping during acute flare-ups

  • Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond six weeks or worsen