January 26, 2010
Active Release
Dr. William Booker D.C.
Dr. William Booker D.C. holds a
Doctorate of Chiropractic from the
Cleveland College of Chiropractic,
Los Angeles. He completed his
undergraduate studies at the
University of Virginia, where he
graduated with a major in
psychology and a minor in Biology.
After completing his internship in
Philadelphia, Dr. Booker relocated
to Arlington to open the first
Capitol Rehab inside of Gold’s
Gym. Dr. Booker established
Capitol Rehab-Arlington as the
flagship for what would be the
eventual opening of eight
additional Capitol Rehabs located
throughout Virginia, West Virginia
and Maryland.
Capitol Rehab of Arlington : 801 N. Quincy, Suite 130 : Arlington, VA 22203 : 703.527.5492 : @capitolrehab : drbooker@capitolrehab.com
Technique
Runners Injuries & Plantar Fasciitis
By Dr. William Booker, D.C. and Dr. Ed Beck, DC
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain. It
involves pain and inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the
foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is caused by
biomechanical flaws in the foot that eventually leads to repetitive stress or micro
trauma of the plantar fascia.
The Mayo Clinic describes plantar fasciitis as “causing stabbing pain that usually
occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the
pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but may return after long periods of
standing or after getting up from a seated position.”
Specifically the plantar fasciitis commonly involves the Plantar Aponeurosis, a
long tendon in the bottom of the foot, and two muscles, the Quadratus Plantae
and the Flexor Digitorum Brevis.
WHY TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS HAVE NOT PRODUCED LONG
TERM BENEFIT FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis can be a frustrating injury for both the patient and the doctor,
with traditional treatments providing mixed results. Historically, traditional
treatments including anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, rest and ice have
focused on reducing pain and not correcting the biomechanical flaws associated
with plantar fasciitis. A significantly higher level of improvement has been noted
when the focus of care has addressed and corrected the imbalances and their
associated biomechanical flaws.
WHAT IS ART OR ACTIVE RELEASE?
ART is a patented, state of the art approach developed by Dr. Michael Leahy for
treating soft tissue injuries, in particular, repetitive stress and overuse injuries.
WHY DOES ACTIVE RELEASE WORK?
When a person has biomechanical or training flaws such as over-pronation, flat
Active Release (part 2 of 2)
Runners Injuries
& Plantar Fasciitis
continued
Dr. Edward Beck, D.C.
Dr. Beck received his doctorate in
chiropractic from Palmer
Chiropractic College in Davenport,
IA. He completed his Bachelors of
Science degree from Concordia
University in Exercise Science
majoring in Adapted Physical
Activity. While at Concordia he
volunteered with different
organization from the YMHA to the
Golden Age Association.
After completion of his doctorate
degree he worked in Winamac,
Indiana with a practice specializing
in the Gonstead system of
chiropractic. Dr. Beck has
completed many hours of
certification from the Gonstead
seminar based in Chicago, IL.
Capitol Rehab of Arlington : 801 N. Quincy, Suite 130 : Arlington, VA 22203 : 703.527.5492 : @capitolrehab : DrBooker@CapitolRehab.com
feet, a tight Achilles tendon, weak muscles of the foot or has suddenly increased
training mileage, a repetitive stress syndrome of the foot can occur. This repetitive
stress creates three important changes in the soft tissues:
• An acute condition in the foot (strains, pulls or tears)
• There is an accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• And there is a decrease in oxygen to the damaged area (hypoxia)
The end result is the production of a tough, thick scar tissue to the affected area.
As scar tissue develops, muscles become weaker, tendons become irritated and
nerves can become entrapped. ART uses a movement based massage technique
that:
• Breaks up the scar tissue
• Increases the functional range of motion
• Increases circulation to the damaged area
HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I HAVE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Patients often describe plantar fasciitis as follows:
• Affects one foot more than the other, although both may be affected.
• The pain developed gradually
• Feels like a sharp pain, usually towards the heel
• Is worse first thing in the morning or during the first few steps after sitting
for a long period.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
It is recommended that you identify a provider who is trained in Active Release
Technique, ideally one who incorporates a functional rehabilitation program. In
order to achieve long-term results, the patient must be instructed on home care
and self care exercises that address home to strengthen weak muscles and release
the overactive muscles as well.
If you continue to experience pain and discomfort, consider a second opinion
from an integrated practice that incorporates the best in physical therapy,
chiropractic and rehabilitation.
For more information feel free to visit us at our website,
www.CapitolRehabofArlington.com.
You may also call us directly at 703.527.5492 or send an email to
DrBooker@CapitolRehab.com.
Dr. Edward Beck is a chiropractor Certified Active Release Technique.
Dr. Bill Booker is a member of the International Society of Clinical Rehabilitation
Specialists