Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spur Treatment in Calgary

1️⃣ What causes plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive stress on the plantar fascia — the thick ligament that supports your arch.
This stress can come from:

• Long hours of standing

• Walking on hard floors

• Flat feet or high arches

• Tight calves or Achilles tendon

• Poor footwear

• Overuse (walking/running)

Heel spurs often form when plantar fasciitis becomes chronic.

2️⃣ How many treatments do I need?

Our structured program includes 4 weekly treatments.
Most clients notice improvement after their first or second session, with full results by week 4.

3️⃣ Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Shockwave therapy may create a mild tapping sensation, but it is well tolerated.
Most clients describe it as intense but manageable, and the discomfort decreases as the tissue heals.

4️⃣ What happens during the appointment?

Each treatment includes:
✔ Assessment of your foot, ankle, and lower body mechanics
✔ Osteopathic manual therapy
✔ Therapeutic massage to calves, Achilles, and plantar fascia
✔ Shockwave therapy
✔ Home-care instructions to support healing

5️⃣ Is the treatment covered by insurance?

Yes.
Treatments are billed under:

• Osteopathy benefits

• Massage Therapy (RMT) benefits (if the session includes therapeutic massage)

Shockwave therapy is included at no extra cost.

We recommend checking your plan for coverage details.

6️⃣ Can plantar fasciitis heal on its own?

Sometimes mild cases improve with rest, but most chronic cases require treatment.
Without proper care, pain can last months — sometimes years — and may develop into a persistent heel spur.

7️⃣ Is this treatment safe for seniors?

It depends on your health condition. We always tailor our protocol for seniors.
We treat many seniors experiencing chronic heel and arch pain, and the multi-modal approach (osteopathy + massage + shockwave and other) is gentle, safe, and highly effective.

8️⃣ What results can I expect?

Most people experience:
✔ Less pain in the morning
✔ Improved walking and standing
✔ Reduced inflammation
✔ Better mobility
✔ Less reliance on pain medications

With consistency, results continue to improve even after treatment ends.

9️⃣ What should I wear to the appointment?

Loose pants or leggings that can be rolled above the calf.
We need access to the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

🔟 When should I NOT receive shockwave therapy?

Shockwave may not be suitable if you have:

• Blood clotting disorders

• Active infection

• Open wounds

• Recent steroid injection in the area

• Pregnancy (depending on location, we assess case by case)

• Cardiac pacemaker
• Other

Your practitioner will review all contraindications at your first visit.

1️⃣1️⃣ Do I need orthotics?

Not always.
Some clients benefit from supportive footwear or insoles, but we first aim to:

• Reduce inflammation

• Improve foot mechanics

• Address tightness and muscle imbalance

Orthotics may be recommended only if needed.

1️⃣2️⃣ Can I continue walking or exercising?

Yes — but avoid high-impact activity (like running) until pain decreases.
Walking, gym workouts, and movement are generally safe, and we will guide you on what to modify or avoid.