Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Sarasota: Active Release & Rehab for Heel Pain
If you wake up with sharp heel pain in the morning or feel soreness after walking or playing pickleball, you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis. This condition is one of the leading causes of foot pain—and here in Sarasota, we see it every week at Well Co Chiropractic.
The good news? With the right care, plantar fasciitis is treatable. Our approach combines Active Release Technique (ART), soft tissue therapy, and progressive rehab to not only relieve pain but also stop it from coming back.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, supporting your arch. When this tissue becomes overloaded or develops micro-tears, it leads to:
Heel pain (especially first thing in the morning)
Pain after standing, walking, or running
Soreness after sports like tennis, pickleball, or running on hard surfaces
Why Sarasota Athletes and Residents Get Plantar Fasciitis
Pickleball & Tennis: Sudden stops and lunges overload the arch.
Running & Walking: Sarasota’s sidewalks and hard court surfaces increase impact.
Improper Footwear: Flip-flops and unsupportive shoes stress the fascia.
Age & Activity Level: More common in adults over 40, especially those who stay active.
Research-Backed Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is often thought of as “inflammation,” but it’s more of a degenerative overuse condition. That means rest alone isn’t enough.
The best results come from:
Manual therapy (ART): Releases tension in the plantar fascia, calf, and supporting muscles.
Strengthening exercises: Foot, calf, and hip exercises to improve stability.
Load management: Adjusting activities until the tissue adapts.
Footwear education: Supportive shoes and custom orthotics if needed.
Other adjuncts like shockwave therapy, taping, or night splints can sometimes help but soft tissue care + progressive exercise are the gold standard.
Our Approach at Well Co Chiropractic
Thorough evaluation – identify gait issues, mobility restrictions, or muscle imbalances.
Active Release Technique (ART): Hands-on therapy to break down adhesions and restore tissue glide.
Rehab program: Calf raises, foot strengthening, and mobility drills tailored to your sport or lifestyle.
Education: Footwear, training loads, and daily mobility tips.
Don’t Let Heel Pain Slow You Down
Whether you’re competing on Sarasota’s pickleball courts, running the Legacy Trail, or just trying to enjoy a walk on Siesta Key, plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to hold you back.
At Well Co Chiropractic, we help you recover with Active Release and evidence-based rehab so you can stay active without heel pain.
References
Riel H, et al. Exercise and Load Management for Plantar Heel Pain: A Systematic Review. Br J Sports Med. 2019.
Whittaker GA, et al. Foot and Ankle Exercise for Plantar Fasciitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2020.
Nagore A, et al. Active Release Technique in Tendon Overuse Injuries. Cureus. 2023.
