Your Hard Working Feet
Our feet are complex biomechanical wonders. The foot is designed to be our body’s shock absorber and primary propulsion mechanism. With 26 bones, 33 joints, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels , nerves, skin and tissue, bearing as much as 100 times our weight (for very fast runners), no wonder our feet hurt sometimes.
Our feet are complex biomechanical wonders. The foot is designed to be our body’s shock absorber and primary propulsion mechanism. With 26 bones, 33 joints, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels , nerves, skin and tissue, bearing as much as 100 times our weight (for very fast runners), no wonder our feet hurt sometimes.
Your movements, standing, walking, running, dancing, your occupation, your weight, how flexible your muscles are, your particular foot structure, and the footwear you choose all affect the function of the foot.
Common foot discomfort includes aching, tightness, and pain in the heel, toes, arch, and ankle. If you have persistent discomfort, see a podiatrist, a specialist in the field of orthopedics. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action and will indicate whether or not orthotics may be of help to you.
Problems in the foot can alter gait so as to affect muscles of the knees, hips, back, even the neck and shoulders. Massage can help you from the “bottom up” by relieving tension in the muscles associated with your feet.
Below are a few examples of how massage can help you feel better. Talk to me about your specific needs. A therapist skilled in myofascial release, orthopedic and deep tissue massage can offer you the relief you need. And for most, a massage of the feet is a blissful, relaxing experience!
________________________________
Massage Helps Common Foot Problems
Problem: Plantar fasciitis: sharp heel pain at first step in the morning
How Massage helps: Myofascial release stretches fascia, reduces pain; deep tissue massage to calf muscles reduces tension to structures of the foot, particularly the heel.
_______________________
Problem: Arthritis (Osteo): wear and tear to joint cartilage causing inflammation of tissues and muscle tightness around joint.
How Massage helps: Massage to muscles surrounding joint reduces pain; restores movement. Note: will not be performed on any actively inflamed joint.
_______________________
Problem: Ankle Sprains: tearing of ligament; upon healing, stiffness, limited range of motion.
How Massage helps: Orthopedic massage to break up scar tissue to reduce stiffness; improve range of motion.
_______________________
For more information, contact Karen Peck, LMT, at info@karenpeckmassage.com or visit http://www.karenpeckmassage.com/.
