Massage Guns For Plantar Fasciitis

Can a massage gun help plantar fasciitis? The answer is a resounding yes. The massage gun works akin to deep tissue massage therapy (myofascial release). The device produces vibrations that help fluids and blood flow smoothly.

Percussion massage for plantar fasciitis combined with physical therapy will strengthen the calf muscles and the plantar fascia ligaments, improving flexibility and mobility, which relieve tightness in the plantar fascia muscle. Healing can then occur over time.

A 2018 study into myofascial release found this to be true. Other studies have also concluded that massage guns can be better than surgical procedures regarding painful foot conditions.

Choosing the Perfect Massage Gun For Your Painful Foot Condition

When choosing the perfect massage gun for plantar fasciitis massage, you should consider four key features: stroke length, weight, speed setting, and stall force.

Stroke length is the depth the massage gun can get into the tissue, while stall force is the force taken to stop the massage gun. 

The best massage gun for plantar fasciitis features a 12 to 13 mm stroke length to work great in small foot areas.

Additionally, the stall force should range from 30 to 50 pounds. A low stall force will make the massage gun jam.

When it comes to weight, choose a massage gun of about three to three pounds for ease of use on the lower extremities.

Finally, the speed setting should range from four to five to allow flexibility as you massage your foot.

Based on these items, my top recommendation is the Achedaway Pro.

How To Use a Massage Gun for Plantar Fasciitis

Much goes into Self Massage For Plantar Fasciitis, but here is a simple overview.

1. Get into a relaxed position. Find a comfortable position that encourages relaxation in the swollen ligament. Avoid a position that will expose your heel bone, pull, or stretch your feet. For example, you can sit on a chair with the painful foot on top of the other.
2. Apply the Theragun for plantar fasciitis or any other massage gun you have (I use the Achedaway). Move the massage gun in slow motion around the sole of your foot for about two minutes.
3. Explore to find out what feels right. You can now change the speed settings on your massage gun and try out different settings to find what feels right for you.
4. Massage the heel and toes. When you get to the heel, use the side of the attachment for an extra gentle feel. You can then use your hand to cup the back of the toes as you pass the massage gun over the area. Cupping gives additional support to your toes.
5. Massage the arches. For the arch, lower the speed setting, start from the top, and slowly work your way to the heel. Continue massaging the arched area for about 30 to 60 seconds. This will warm the tissues and encourage blood circulation to the plantar fasciitis to help it heal.
6. Massage the calves. Though the calves are located on the back of the lower leg muscles, they can reduce flexibility in the ankle and exacerbate plantar fasciitis. You can massage these muscles with a foam roller or go across these muscles with your massage gun.

Other Massage Gun Techniques to Help Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain 

Soft Pulls Method

It would be best if you aimed to pull the fascia in both directions with plantar fasciitis percussion massage. So, place the massage gun in the middle of your sole, then move it towards the left and right for about 4 minutes.

Toe Flex and Massage

Move the toes in circular motions using a massage gun, or give your toes a little flex as you make your heel-to-toe massage motion.

Soft Pushes Method

You can use your fist to knead the sole of the painful leg, or you can lie down and then grab your affected foot with one hand while lightly pushing on the sole with the other hand. You can then use your massage gun to massage the foot in a heel-to-toe motion.

Ball Massage for Plantar Fasciitis.

With this technique, you place a ball underneath the arch of your foot. You then shift pressure on the ball using your body weight. Start by putting a little pressure on the ball and then gradually adding pressure to strengthen your muscles.

Kneading Calf Muscles

Calf muscles connect to the ankle and foot muscles to support movements. Sometimes tight muscles in the calf can cause foot pain. In these cases exercising calf muscles can reduce painful foot conditions.

The calf muscles your massage gun should target are the gastrocnemius and soleus. They lie on top of each other, so squeezing your calf area in a kneading motion will get them both. Rolling your massage gun over then can also relieve tension.

Follow this up with some self massage techniques.

Also be sure to read more about how to self massage the calf muscle and deep tissue massage work from a qualified therapist to help your efforts in maximizing soft tissue extensibility.

Give Your Massage Therapy A Significant Boost With These Percussion Devices

Don’t let foot pain stop you on track to better health or a higher quality of life. Instead, nip plantar fasciitis in the bud with proper footwear or start percussive therapy for plantar fasciitis with a massage gun.

If you experience severe foot pain symptoms, consult your podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment, and always get their approval prior to using massage guns for plantar fasciitis.