Written by : Camry Kieler, PT, DPT
If you’ve ever stepped out of bed and felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, you might already be familiar with plantar fasciitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot—becomes irritated or inflamed.
This condition can impact anyone, but it’s especially common in runners, people who stand for long hours, or those with high or fallen arches. Left untreated, the pain can become chronic and limit daily activities. Fortunately, physical therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to treat and relieve plantar fasciitis.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Our expert Physical Therapy team at Unified Therapy Services is trained to address plantar fasciitis with customized treatment plans focused on:
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Targeted exercises improve flexibility in the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia, helping to reduce tension and prevent future flare-ups.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, Astym, and joint manipulation help improve foot mechanics, tissue extensibility, and reduce pain.
Gait Analysis and Footwear Recommendations
Improper foot mechanics often contribute to plantar fasciitis. We assess your walking pattern and recommend appropriate footwear or orthotics to improve alignment.
Modalities for Pain Relief
Ice therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may also be used to decrease inflammation and promote healing.
What About Dry Needling?
One of the most powerful tools we use to treat stubborn plantar fasciitis pain is dry needling. This technique involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into trigger points—tight bands of muscle or fascia that contribute to pain.
Dry needling can help:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve blood flow to the affected area
- Release tight muscle knots in the calves or feet
- Accelerate healing when used alongside exercise and stretching
Many patients report significant relief from dry needling in just a few sessions, especially when combined with traditional physical therapy.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
If heel pain is interfering with your ability to walk, work, or enjoy life, physical therapy can provide long-lasting relief—and often helps patients avoid medication or surgery.
At Unified Therapy Services, our team is experienced in treating foot and ankle conditions like plantar fasciitis. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a busy professional, or someone just trying to stay active, we’re here to help you take that next step—pain-free.
Call 563-583-4003 or visit www.unifiedtherapy.com to schedule an evaluation today.
C
amry Kieler is a Physical Therapist at Unified Therapy Services who treats young adults to seniors. If you have any questions or concerns about foot pain, please give us a call at 563-583-4003 to schedule a consultation.