Graston Technique for Plantar Fasciitis
January 2, 2025
NOTE: This is a revised version of the January 5, 2017, blog post about the Graston Technique that enables Dr. Brian Winkler to perform soft tissue mobilization for detecting and breaking down scar tissue and facial restrictions in the calf muscles to effectively manage heel and foot pain associated with chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain in adults, affecting one in ten people at some point in their lives. This condition involves the degeneration of the plantar fascia, which is a flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes and supports the arch of your foot. The pain, often described as sharp or stabbing, is typically felt in the inner heel or middle of the foot, especially after long periods of rest or after sitting for a while. Runners, dancers, pregnant women and overweight individuals are more prone to developing this issue and continuous activity with an inflamed plantar fascia may lead to increased pain and micro-tears. Early consultation with a physical therapist is essential for managing symptoms and avoiding more invasive interventions. While the exact causes are often unclear, understanding the gradual development of plantar fasciitis is key to addressing the condition effectively and reducing discomfort.
The Graston Technique is a specialized form of manual therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to identify and treat areas of soft tissue restriction. This evidence-based approach, known as Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), helps break down scar tissue and improve muscle and tendon function. By moving the instruments across the skin, practitioners can precisely detect muscle knots, fibrous tissue, or scar tissue that may cause pain or limit mobility. Studies show the Graston Technique has an impressive success rate of 75% to 90% for a variety of conditions. Unlike traditional massage, which applies gradual, generalized pressure, the Graston Technique targets deeper layers of tissue more effectively and in less time. However, it’s crucial to have the therapy performed by a trained professional; attempting it on your own without proper expertise could lead to additional injuries and delay recovery.
Take Time to Heal Your Heel Pain
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is persistent heel pain, which is often most noticeable first thing in the morning upon getting out of bed. For many, the discomfort eases after a few minutes of walking but can return after prolonged periods of inactivity, such as sitting at a desk or long-distance travel. Active individuals may notice their symptoms worsen after workouts rather than during physical activity. High-impact sports or activities that involve repeatedly pounding the foot against the ground can exacerbate inflammation, so these should be avoided until the condition improves. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, it’s important to avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this position can lead to contracture of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Instead, sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your legs.
Contrary to popular belief, walking barefoot for relief can actually worsen symptoms and slow your overall recovery. This happens because inflammation and tension on the thick plantar fascia band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes can lead to small tears over time. Left untreated, these tears may multiply, enlarge, and make the plantar fascia more vulnerable to further injury or even rupture. Certain factors like strain can increase your risk of developing heel pain. Tight calcaneal tendons can restrict the gastrocnemius calf muscle, making it harder to flex the foot and adding undue tension to the fascia. Obesity and high arches are also key contributors to recurring heel pain as are heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and bursitis that may mimic the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Acute vs. Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is far from a permanent condition and typically responds well to treatment. It manifests in two forms:
- Acute Plantar Fasciitis occurs as a result of a specific injury, often causing sudden pain.
- Chronic Plantar Fasciitis, also known as the classic form, develops gradually over time, with symptoms worsening if left unaddressed.
Most individuals recover fully within a few months of chiropractic plantar fasciitis treatment. If you're dealing with heel pain, consider consulting Dr. Brian Winkler at Beach Boulevard Chiropractic as it is time to heal your heel pain for good.
The Benefits of the Graston Technique
For those struggling with persistent heel pain or consistent discomfort, timely intervention is key. Although spinal manipulation is still a mainstay of most chiropractic clinics, Dr. Winkler specializes in the Graston Technique, a proven method for repairing and rehabilitating soft tissue damage. He’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan designed to alleviate pain and empower you to manage the condition at home. This proven approach is effective for several soft tissue injuries, including:
Combining the Graston Technique with stretching and strengthening can enhance recovery by encouraging healing and improved flexibility. Treatments generally start with 1-2 sessions per week and are adjusted based on individual progress. By applying controlled pressure to problem areas, this technique reduces pain, inflammation, and muscle tension for a better range of motion. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Winkler to explore pain relief while regaining your mobility through tailored chiropractic care at Beach Boulevard Chiropractic Massage Rehab.
Could Chiropractic Care Help Your Plantar Fasciitis?
Chiropractic care has become a versatile solution for addressing various pain-related conditions, including plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis typically affects individuals between the ages of 40 to 60, plus certain activities that place repetitive stress on the heel and surrounding tissue, such as long-distance running or aerobic dance, can lead to the development of the condition. A common underlying cause is tightness in the gastrocnemius calf muscles. Instead of opting for invasive foot surgeries or cortisone injections that only mask symptoms, many individuals are turning to chiropractic plantar fasciitis treatments like manipulative therapies and therapeutic massage. Chiropractors take a holistic approach and focus on the alignment of your entire body. Plus, Dr. Winkler often suggests changes to biomechanics or other complementary at-home methods to alleviate and manage pain more effectively.
One highly effective, non-invasive treatment option for plantar fasciitis used at Beach Boulevard Chiropractic is the Graston Technique. This manual therapy uses specialized stainless steel tools to target scar tissue and adhesions in the plantar fascia. By breaking up these restrictions, this technique improves blood flow, supports tissue regeneration, and addresses the root cause of your discomfort. This method encourages the body’s natural healing process and is typically combined with conservative care strategies like icing, stretching, and avoiding pain-inducing activities. These approaches can offer lasting relief by focusing on the underlying causes, helping restore mobility and improving your quality of life. With proper treatment and modifications, most individuals recover from plantar fasciitis within a few months. The Graston Technique is also used for other areas of the body, often as part of post-surgical rehabilitation plans.
