Can Rolfing help plantar fasciitis?

Rolfing, also known as **Rolfing Structural Integration**, is a form of bodywork that focuses on manipulating the fascia — the connective tissue surrounding muscles — to improve posture, alignment, and movement patterns. When it comes to **plantar fasciitis**, Rolfing may help in several ways:

### 1. **Releasing Fascial Restrictions**

* Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation and tightness in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot.

* Rolfing can release tension not just in the foot, but throughout the **entire kinetic chain** — including the calves, hamstrings, and hips — which often contribute to excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

### 2. **Improving Alignment**

* Poor posture and gait mechanics (like overpronation or a tilted pelvis) can place chronic stress on the plantar fascia.

* Rolfing works to realign the body so that weight is distributed more evenly through the feet, reducing abnormal pressure.

### 3. **Addressing Compensatory Patterns**

* Chronic pain often causes people to shift how they move or walk, leading to further issues.

* Rolfing helps identify and unwind those compensations, restoring more natural movement and reducing stress on the foot.

### 4. **Enhancing Mobility and Circulation**

* By loosening tight tissues and encouraging fluid movement, Rolfing may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

### Practical Consideration:

Rolfing is usually done in a series (often 10 sessions) and can be intense. It's best used as a **complementary therapy** alongside conventional treatments like stretching, orthotics, or physical therapy.

Would you like a sample plan of how Rolfing might be integrated into a plantar fasciitis treatm

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