Caring For Overworked Feet Using Massage. from jess japp's blog

One of the most common areas of injury and soreness for athletes are the feet, which often are also the one area of the body commonly overlooked when it comes to injury prevention and treatment. As with most other sports injuries, the best way to treat these issues is with a combination of exercise and massage treatments. Massage treatments directed towards the feet almost always include an exercise program the client completes at home, giving the therapy program the feel of one incorporating physical therapy. Overpronation is a common cause of pain and problems for runners. Pronation is considered part of the normal movement of the foot during physical activity like running. When a runner finds that their gait tends to go towards the inside of the foot, this is call overpronation. When this happens, the arch of the foot bears the full weight of the body and will flatten over time. This can commonly turn into plantar fasciitis if not treated as soon as possible. When a client seeks massage therapy for overpronation issues, the therapist will often focus on movements that gently stretch the muscles in the arch of the foot, as well as those of the calf. The therapist will work to lengthen these over-stressed muscles and eliminate the build-up of any scar tissue that may have occurred as a result of the overpronation. Clients will generally be responsible for continuing the therapy at home with exercises they should be doing daily. Along with both of these, therapists will often suggest the client seek out orthotics that help keep the foot properly alignment. This proper alignment will also occur with the massage therapy, which will strengthen the muscles in the foot. Flat foot syndrome can often occur as a result of untreated overpronation issues, though some clients are simply born with this issue in one or both feet. Massage therapy becomes necessary for these issues when a client's arches have become completely flattened and aren't even properly supported with appropriate orthotics. A massage therapist addressing the issue of flat feet will often incorporate ultrasound therapy along with move conservative massage methods. Massage methods to treat flat foot issues are similar to those of overpronation but do have differences. Massage does not so much involve the stretching of any ligaments or muscles on the bottom of the foot, and instead focuses on pain relief. Gentle massage is provided, along with heat, to bring the client relief. Clients will be advised to seek a physician for the fitting of appropriate footwear. While flat foot syndrome may never be cured, massage therapy can make the painful effects of it much more tolerable. A client does not have to have a particular injury or issue to seek out massage therapy for issues with their feet. Any sort of repetitious physical activity will take its toll on the feet and the best way to ensure that the feet are strong enough to support the body and keep them Heel Pain treatment from becoming injured is to have them massaged on a regular basis.