If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel the moment you step out of bed, you might already be familiar with plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain, and trust us when we say, it’s no fun.

But what if there were a gentle, non-invasive therapy that could support your recovery and help relieve some of that discomfort? That’s exactly where reflexology comes in. Let’s explore how reflexology can support people struggling with plantar fasciitis and why it might be worth adding to your self-care toolkit.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes. When it becomes irritated or overused, it can cause pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest.

It’s often caused by things like:

• Overuse (especially in runners or people on their feet all day)
• Poor footwear or lack of arch support
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Weight changes or pregnancy
• Flat feet or high arches

Whatever the cause, it can make walking, exercising, or even standing a real challenge, and if left untreated, it can linger for months.

So… can reflexology help?

Reflexology may be able to help manage plantar fasciitis symptoms, especially when used alongside other supportive treatments like stretching, rest, and appropriate footwear.

Here’s how:

1. Stimulates Circulation in the Feet

Reflexology helps boost blood flow to the foot, which is key for healing. Increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the area, helping to reduce inflammation and speed up tissue repair.

2. Reduces Tension in the Foot Muscles and Fascia

A reflexologist will work directly on the arch of the foot (where the plantar fascia lives) as well as connected reflex points for the legs, hips, and lower back. This can help relieve tension, reduce pressure, and support better alignment throughout the body.

3. Eases Pain and Discomfort

Many clients report feeling less pain and more ease in their feet after a session. By targeting specific pressure points that relate to the heel, arch, and surrounding areas, reflexology can calm the nervous system and offer a natural pain-relieving effect.

4. Promotes Relaxation and Healing

Let’s not underestimate the power of relaxation! When you’re dealing with pain, your whole body can tense up, which doesn’t exactly help healing. Reflexology helps shift you into the parasympathetic (rest and repair) state, allowing the body to properly relax and recover.

What to expect during a session

At ABWR, your reflexology session is always tailored to you. If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or any kind of foot pain, we’ll focus on the reflex zones that relate not just to the feet, but to the muscles, joints and systems that influence how you move and feel.

And don’t worry, reflexology shouldn’t feel painful. We work gently but effectively to support your body’s natural healing process.

What clients have said

Here’s some feedback we’ve received from people who have experienced our reflexology sessions:

“I left there feeling like I was floating”

“The warm atmosphere and relaxing treatment from Shona along with informative suggestions to help between treatments are most worthwhile in the journey to better health”.

“As always brilliant reflexology from Shona. I felt amazing afterwards and had a great nights sleep”.

Check with your GP 

While reflexology can be incredibly supportive, it’s not a replacement for medical advice. Always speak to your GP, podiatrist, or physio if you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, especially if your pain is severe or ongoing. That said, reflexology can work beautifully alongside conventional treatment and make a real difference to your recovery, comfort and wellbeing.

Ready to show your feet some love?

If you’re dealing with heel pain or just want to look after your foot health (especially if you're on your feet a lot), we’d love to welcome you into our calming treatment space in Chapelton.

Book your reflexology session online and give your feet (and your whole body) the care they deserve.