Deep tissue massage can be used to help treat multiple sports-related injuries. One such injury, commonly found in runners, is plantar fasciitis.
There is a thick connective tissue that runs the entire length of the bottom of the human foot. It starts on the five toes and extends to the bottom of the heel. This tissue is known as the plantar fascia. While running, runners land on the heel of the foot and then raise themselves on the toes before shifting the weight to the other foot. This causes the plantar fascia to come under strain, and when the strain becomes too much, the plantar fascia is likely to tear. Even if there is no tearing, the strain can be felt and is an indication of plantar fasciitis. Mountain climbers, aerobics practitioners, and hikers can also become afflicted by plantar fasciitis due to constant strain on the planar fascia.
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Initial Steps for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
One of the best ways to start treatment for planar fasciitis is to cease from the activity that is causing the pain, albeit running, jogging, cycling, climbing, or aerobics. Footwear should be such that gives more support even though it may be stiffer. Arch supports can also help reduce the pain, and it is said that stretching the calf muscles also affords some relief. Icing the area for about a quarter of an hour every day can also help. Once initial recovery is made, patients should consider a more aggressive form of treatment such as deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue massage is applied by using deep finger pressure on the fascia, Achilles heel, and calf muscles through slow strokes. The muscle fibers can be followed or pressure can be applied across tendons. Deep tissue massage can help to release the muscle tension, break scar tissue, and lead to its elimination. Deep tissue massage concentrates on specific areas, and it is likely that the patient may feel some soreness before and after the massage.
However, results are definite and can be felt within just a couple of days following treatment. Deep tissue massage loosens muscle tissue, removes muscle toxins, and ensures proper circulation of blood and oxygen to the injured area. Deep tissue massage works because it physically breaks down the adhesions that are formed by tissues in the muscles caused by over exertion or strain.
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