There are 26 bones in each foot, more than any other body part. The presence of these bones is evidence of the essential role the feet play in our daily lives. The feet enable locomotion, bear the body’s weight, and act as a shock absorber when we walk. Therefore, the feet should receive the same care as your other body parts. Foot therapy in Merrick ensures that your feet get the care they need to remain in perfect condition.
Foot therapy is an aspect of physical therapy in Amityville, NY. It entails comprehensive care for the feet to maintain or improve their health, address foot problems, enhance recovery from deformity/injury, and improve a person’s overall well-being. The whole body enjoys the positive physical and mental benefits of foot therapy. Foot therapy has been in practice for ages. This holistic healthcare approach centers around believing that every body organ interconnects in the feet. This article will explore the advantages of undergoing foot therapy at Summit Physical Therapy.
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What Conditions Does Foot Therapy Treat?
Foot therapy provides treatment for and recovery after the following conditions:
- Foot sprains, strains, and fractures: A foot sprain or strain occurs when the ligaments in the foot are partially or completely torn or stretched. A fracture occurs when any of the foot’s bones break. You may feel severe pain and discomfort if you sprain, strain, or fracture your foot. Your feet may also be unable to carry out their normal functions. Foot therapy in Merrick can treat and manage foot strains, sprains, and fractures. It also speeds up recovery and helps with rehabilitation after your foot heals.
- Tendinopathy: Foot tendinopathy is usually an overuse injury that strains the tendons in the foot repeatedly until tiny tears form. Common examples of foot tendinopathy are Achilles tendinitis (injury to the Achilles tendon) and plantar fasciitis (inflamed tissue on the bottom of the foot). Although most forms of tendinopathy settle naturally, they may cause severe pain and discomfort. Foot therapy can ensure that you heal faster from foot tendinopathy.
- Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that occurs when some bones in the front of the foot move out of place. This deformity forms at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and may make it difficult to walk comfortably. Foot therapy can correct bunions and ensure that the bones in the foot are in their correct positions.
- Sports injuries: Professional athletes may develop frequent injuries in the foot from overuse and excessive training. These injuries may cause severe pain and hinder the athlete from using the foot as they should. Foot therapy helps to deal with the foot pain from sports injuries. It also ensures that the foot returns to an optimal condition.
- Arthritis: The inflammation of the joints in the foot causes stiffness and pain. This condition may lead to a person’s inability to walk and perform other activities as they used to.
Other foot conditions that foot therapy may treat include corns and calluses, neuropathy, heel spurs, flat feet, high arches, hammer/claw toes, foot cramps/spasms, poor blood circulation in the feet, etc. Foot therapy can also treat and manage some conditions that do not directly affect the feet. Some of these conditions include sleep disorders, stress and anxiety, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, etc.
Types of Foot Therapy
There are two main types of foot therapy. These types vary depending on the technique used and the goal they aim to achieve. They include:
Foot Massage
A foot massage is a category of foot therapy that stimulates and manipulates the feet’s soft tissues, muscles, and tendons by kneading, pressing, stroking, and stretching them. Generally, foot massages focus on the whole foot. Therapists in Merrick use their hands and other specialized equipment during foot massage. Foot massage techniques include foot spread, warmup twists, arch rubs, toe bends, heel squeezes, fist work, etc. Foot massage relaxes the muscles in the feet, heals injuries, and improves circulation.
Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative therapy based on an ancient Chinese practice that believes that specific points on the feet connect to organs and systems of the body. During foot reflexology, the therapist applies a particular amount of pressure to specific points on the foot. It is different from a regular foot massage. Foot reflexology relieves pain, improves immune function, and promotes harmony and balance in the body.
What are the Advantages of Foot Therapy?
The following are the advantages of undergoing foot therapy at Merrick, NY:
Pain Relief
Generally, this is one of the foremost advantages of massage therapy. Foot therapy can help to treat, manage, and reduce pain in the feet and some body parts. It can eliminate the pain from headaches, migraines, and other conditions.
Improved Circulation
Individuals who avoid frequent rigorous activities may experience circulation problems because the muscles in their feet do not get enough exercise. Foot therapy helps to solve this problem by improving circulation and reducing fatigue.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Hypertension is often a result of lack of exercise, poor diet, and chronic stress. This condition can lead to circulatory issues and further complications. However, foot therapy can lower blood pressure and its symptoms by calming the sympathetic nervous system.
Improved Sleep Quality
The advantages of foot therapy stretch beyond the foot itself alone. Comprehensive foot care can impact your overall health and well-being. Foot therapy is very relaxing, and it can produce longer and better sleep.
Prevents Foot Injuries
As much as foot therapy treats and manages injuries sustained in the feet, it also tries to prevent these injuries from occurring. Foot therapy can also aid in faster recovery from foot injuries.
Improved Mood
Foot therapy improves a person’s mood by stimulating the production of feel-good hormones. It increases your quality of life too.
Other advantages of foot therapy include improved immune function, reduced stress, breakdown of scar tissue, improved circulation, etc.
Conclusion
The feet deserve as much care as the rest of our body. You can achieve this care through foot therapy. Foot therapy encompasses procedures that ensure that the feet are in perfect health. If you have been suffering from different conditions or seek relaxation, consider Foot Therapy at Summit Physical Therapy.