Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Welcome! This course is here to help you expand your expertise and refine your skills with an in-depth understanding of plantar fasciitis. As a massage therapy professional, this course will give you critical knowledge about a condition that many of your clients may struggle with. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, and massage therapists play a vital role in its management and relief.
In this course, we will cover essential areas that can significantly enhance your practice, including foot anatomy, the pathology of plantar fasciitis, and best practices for treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to learn.
Anatomy of the Foot and Plantar Fascia
Understanding the complex structure of the foot is fundamental to recognizing the mechanisms that contribute to plantar fasciitis. You’ll study the bones of the foot, including the calcaneus (heel bone), tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges, as well as the plantar fascia—a thick band of connective tissue stretching from the heel to the toes. This tissue supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock with every step, making it susceptible to stress and injury.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Plantar fasciitis typically presents as sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. Symptoms can worsen after prolonged standing or intense physical activity. In this section, we’ll discuss how chronic overuse, poor footwear, flat feet, high arches, and certain occupations or athletic activities increase the risk of developing this condition. By recognizing these factors, you can better assess your clients’ needs and tailor your treatment strategies.
Causes and Pathology
Repetitive strain is often the primary cause of plantar fasciitis. The condition develops when microtears in the plantar fascia accumulate faster than the body can heal them, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. We will explore how biomechanics, improper gait patterns, and muscle imbalances contribute to this chronic inflammation.
This knowledge is crucial in helping you identify underlying issues that exacerbate plantar fasciitis and formulate a comprehensive, personalized approach to care.
Treatment Options
Massage therapy is a powerful tool in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Throughout this course, you’ll learn about evidence-based techniques to alleviate pain, promote circulation, and reduce fascial tension. Please note that as a "cognitive" course, this course will not actually teach you specific hands-on technique. Instead, it will guide you to techniques you likely already know that you can utilize for your clients who have plantar fasciitis. These include various massage methods, including:
- Deep tissue work focused on the sole of the foot.
- Myofascial release targeting tight areas in the plantar fascia and supporting structures.
- Stretching protocols to improve flexibility in the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia itself.
Additionally, we’ll discuss adjunct treatments that complement massage, such as strengthening exercises for foot and ankle stability, client education on proper footwear, and at-home care plans.
Applying Your Knowledge
By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid foundation in the pathology and treatment of plantar fasciitis, enabling you to offer effective relief to clients suffering from this debilitating condition. This knowledge is not only essential for client care but also positions you as a trusted, knowledgeable professional in your field. You’ll be equipped to identify the warning signs of plantar fasciitis early, provide immediate relief, and guide clients toward long-term recovery through massage therapy and complementary techniques.
Course Details
- Massage Therapy Continuing education CEs available: 3
- Course classification: Cognitive (course materials consist of concepts related to massage therapy but do not teach a specific hands-on modality)
- Approved by: Institute of Somatic Therapy (Judith Koch) is approved by the NCBTMB (Provider #280672-00) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by Florida (#MCE-326), and New York (#0019). Our courses are also valid for AMTA, ABMP, and most individual states. Some states limit how many hours can be done online or by home study. Please refer to our State Guidelines section for specific information about your state. Laws can and do change, and your state will hold you responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you.
- Attention Florida Massage Therapists: This course is approved by Florida as an approved distance learning course for required hours of "relevant to massage therapy" category hours through 8/31/2025. You are still allowed to complete the 12 required "relevant to massage therapy" hours via approved online courses through at least 2025. The approval number for this course is 20-796656.
- CE Broker Reporting: Institute of Somatic Therapy will automatically report your hours to CE Broker in applicable states ONLY IF you have provided your license number in your online account with us. You can verify your license information by logging on to our website, and reviewing your account information. Once the course shows in your online account with them, you will have an opportunity to rate it. If you were happy with the course, would you be so kind as to take a few minutes to share that with others? If you were not happy, please share specific ways in which you feel that we can try to improve. Thank you.
- Tuition: $29 USD
If you are interested in this massage therapy CEU course, another course that might be of interest to you is our Pathology - Morton Foot Structure
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do you report our course completions to the NCBTMB, ABMP, AMTA, or any other agencies?
None of these agencies have a method for us to report to them on your behalf. They require that you provide the evidence of CEs that their renewal process details.
Can I earn continuing education units (CEUs) by completing this course?
Absolutely. This online course is designed to meet the requirements for continuing education units (CEUs) for licensed massage therapists. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate verifying your participation and 3 earned credits. Be sure to check your licensing board’s specific CEU requirements to confirm eligibility.
Is this course suitable for therapists with limited experience treating plantar fasciitis?
Yes! This course is designed for both novice and experienced therapists. We cover the fundamentals of foot anatomy and the pathology of plantar fasciitis before moving into advanced treatment strategies. Whether you're new to working with this condition or seeking to refine your approach, the course will provide you with actionable knowledge and techniques to improve client outcomes.
To contact the Institute of Somatic Therapy about this or any other massage therapy CEU course, please go to the "contact" link above. Thank you.
Online Course & Online Test