The Basics 

• Plantar fasciitis is a term that refers to pain on the bottom of the foot.
• It is a condition that tends to respond poorly to traditional treatment. An inaccurate diagnosis like "plantar fasciitis" can lead to failed treatment. The pain and muscular dysfunction can seriously affect both your training and racing performance.
• Conventional therapy (without surgery) usually requires six weeks to three months. In contrast, ART can resolve most cases within 3 to 6 treatments.

Affected Muscles

The plantar fascia is a band of fibers which runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes. Plantar Fascitis occurs when these tissues are irritated and inflamed. Bone spurs often form on the heel if this condition is not correctly treated.

Biomechanical or training flaws such as over-pronation, flat feet, a tight Achilles tendon, a high-arched foot, or a sudden increase in training mileage often cause plantar Fascitis.  The actual plantar fascia is not the common cause of pain on the bottom of the foot.

• The Plantar Aponeurosis, a long tendon in the bottom of your foot, is often involved.
• Two muscles, the Quadratus plantae and the Flexor digitorum brevis, frequently contribute to the problem.

Long distance walking, running cycling, or just standing can overwork these muscles. As they are chronically over-worked, they start to shorten.  When a muscle shortens, it is less resilient and is more easily damaged. As the Plantar aponeurosis and the muscles shorten, they produce pain in the bottom of the foot.

How can ART resolve Plantar Fasciitis?

Active Release Technique (ART) has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. Rather than just addressing just one area, ART restores unimpeded motion and function to all soft tissues.  Trained providers are able to diagnose the presence of abnormal inflammation and adhesion by examining tissue texture, tension, and movement.  The ART Soft-Tissue Management System has a success rate that surpasses 90% in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.