Plantar Fasciitis – Success with ASTYM

plantar fasciitis treatmentPlantar fasciitis one of those diagnoses that can be difficult to deal with. It has been reported to occur in 2 million Americans per year and in 10% of the population over a lifetime. I frequently see patients with a long history of plantar fasciitis or heel pain who have tried many things and seen many experts, before getting to my office.

One of the reasons plantar fasciitis is so tough is that the cause is usually multi-factoral. In addition to foot wear, trauma, or environmental hazards, there is usually a combination of flexibility, mobility, and strength issues that contribute to the problem. Without addressing all of the factors, the treatment fails. The best treatment approach I have come across for plantar fasciitis is physical therapy utilizing the ASTYM technique. This treatment approach is thorough and looks at the many factors involved with plantar fasciitis.

Click here to watch a short video of the ASTYM process.

Here is a recent patient account of their experience with this condition:

Rich:

Just a note to thank you for your help in resolving my heel problem with ASTYM therapy treatments and stretching exercises.  When I was referred to you by my son-in-law, who as you know is also a physical therapist, I was literally at the end of the road in trying to resolve the pain in my heel from plantar fasciitis, which started about 6 months ago.  I  tried a podiatrist whose primary therapy was steroid injections, alternating hot and cold wraps, a walking boot, a splint at night, various insoles and orthotics, and ultrasound treatments, all to no avail.  After 10 ASTYM treatments over a period of approximately 2 1/2 months, along with your prescribed stretching exercises, I can report that I am virtually pain free.  From your initial evaluation through the last treatment, you and your staff have been professional, thorough and efficient.  You must continue to spread the word about the benefits of ASTYM, as will I.

Have you had plantar fasciitis? Are you looking for treatment for your plantar fasciitis right now? We want to hear from you. Don’t let plantar fasciitis stop you in your tracks. Tell us about your experience and let’s see if together we can get you back to tip top shape.

– Rich

Golfer’s Elbow, It’s not just for golfers

Golfer’s elbow, like tennis elbow, is a common problem seen not only in golfers, but tennis players, throwers and even carpenters. Golfer’s Elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is defined as an inflammatory process involving the the muscles/tendons in the inside of the forearm that flex or bend the elbow and wrist. This condition is characterized by pain in the area of the inside of the elbow and forearm. These symptoms are usually made worse with gripping activities, and impact activities like hitting golf balls or tennis balls.

There can be many causes for golfer’s elbow.  Most commonly I’ve seen it as the result of an overuse type injury.

The good news is that with proper diagnosis and a good treatment plan these conditions usually resolve. But don’t wait to see if your symptoms will go away on their own, take action.

My recommendations for when you think you have golfer’s elbow are to:

1) See your physician for proper diagnosis.  He/she will be able to diagnose your problem and present options for recovery.

2) See your physical therapist for evaluation and treatment. Physical therapists can uncover the contributing factors leading to the problem and develop a comprehensive program to promote healing and return to the game.

One of the most beneficial treatment approaches for golfer’s elbow that we have used in our clinic is ASTYM.  ASTYM is a system of treatment that stimulates soft tissue healing through coordinated deep soft tissue mobilization and reconditioning. This system has proven to provide an ideal environment for healing. For best PT results find a therapist that uses ASTYM.

Additional keys to treating golfer’s elbow:

  • Early intervention. Seek out the advice of a medical professional as soon as symptoms are recognized. Do not assume the problem will just go away.
  • Make sure you clearly understand the injury and why it is happening.
  • Consult medical professionals you trust and who can provide you with a clear plan for recovery.  Your treatment should involve a strategy to decrease pain and promote healing while addressing the causes and promoting reconditioning of the damaged tissue. You need a plan that will get you back in the game.
  • Work with your tennis or golf professional for technique management and proper equipment fitting. Faulty mechanics and inappropriate equipment can definitely contribute to the problem.

For more information on golfer’s elbow and appropriate treatment options please feel free to respond to this blog, email or call us at 504 841 0150.