Nic Ebright Massage: Help With Plantar Fasciitis Problems

I got a post from someone on twitter who was offering to help me out with my plantar fasciitis problems. He gave me some general advice and then asked what my race schedule looked like and he would send me a plan that may help me. I was not sure what to expect as I had never met him before. I checked out his site and it was informative. I think he is having it updated right now so it is currently down but check back later for his updated site. Later that evening, I got an e-mail from him with a great treatment plan. I have pasted it below:

Nic Ebright LMT-CES
Web: www.nicebrightmassage.com

Location: www.awakenwellnesscolumbia.com
7130 Minstrel Way, Suite 160
Columbia Maryland 21045
410-312-9922

Please Print for Your Reference

Before You Begin Home Care Plan:


Although seeking help for an injury or condition is beneficial, it is important to realize that you may need to perform some stretches, strengthening, self-massage or cold/heat therapy between sessions.
This treatment advice is referred to as 'home care advice' and it will help speed up the recovery process, shortening the healing time and thereafter help prevent further injuries.
If home care advice is given it is important to act on it. Massage alone may not be sufficient to rehabilitate a condition.
If appropriate, you may be referred to an alternative practitioner if a different form of therapy would be better suited, either in addition to or instead of the therapies Nic Ebright or Awaken Wellness offers.
Statements are not a medical diagnoses, please see your doctor if you want an official diagnosis.


Client: Craig McGray
Date: 3/9/2010
Session Date: 3/9/2010
Session Type: Overuse Injury Recommendations

Chief Complaint:
History of Plantar Fascitis or strain

Primary Session Treatment Goals:
No treatment performed

Professional Observation:
Plantar fasciitis is traditionally thought to be an inflammatory condition. This is now believed to be incorrect due to the absence of inflammatory cells within the fascia. The cause of pain and dysfunction is now thought to be degeneration of the collagen fibers close to the attachment to the heel bone. Analogous to a frayed rope, scar tissue fibers are not as strong/resilient as original tissue. This particular tissue does not heal as fast because under constant stress. Could be result of stress on rigid arch or overpronation with flat arches. cycling can be as equally painful because of direct use of the forefoot and calf attachments. Treatment is relatively long term.

Home Care Plan:
Protect Heel and Arch with heel pad or KT Tape
RICE affected area before and after activity frequently
Manage pain and inflammation using Ice Massage Technique along heel and arch for effective cooling of the tissue
Use tennis or golf ball to break up and realign scar tissue length wise from heel to forefoot
Stretch plantar tissue and ice again.
If no inflammation, heat the area with moist hot towel.
If POSSIBLE, decrease or discontinue activity causing pain until inflammation decreases
If NOT POSSIBLE, decrease intensity or volume or cross-train or apply KT Tape to support tendon
Reduce overactive muscles with foam roll (Myo-fascial Release). Usual suspects are calf and calf and soleus muscles
Lengthen/Stretch overactive muscles (Listed above)
Strengthen lower leg muscles, foot and toe muscles. Add ankle balance exercises.

References for You:
Taping the Plantar with KT Tape video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x272_NziK2g

Other methods of treatment if condition prolongs
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/4-Ways-to-Fight-Plantar-Fasciitis.htm?act=EMC-Active&Vehicle=Running&Date=03_02_10&Edition=1&Sections=Articles&Creative=4_Ways_to_Fight_Plantar_Fasciitis&TextName=More&ArtText=Txt&Placement=2&Dy=Tue

"Be Informed to Stay In Form"

Bottom line was that if Nic cares for his clients in the same way he was willing to give me advice, he must have very happy and faithful clients. If you need advice or are in his area of Maryland, I would recommend you stop and see Nic. Thanks for all your help Nic!