Overview
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the bottom of the heel due to swelling of the plantar fascia, a connective band of tissue that surrounds and supports the bones on the bottom of the foot. Reasons for the swelling vary, but most often, it is attributed to muscle overuse, ill-fitting shoes, obesity, improper balance while walking and running, and fallen arches. The Alexander Technique, a mind-body awareness that refocuses individual attention on body movement, is gaining some popularity as a means to alleviate the symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis.
The Alexander Technique
Robert Rickover, certified Alexander Technique teacher, whose practice spans the United States, Canada and England, is quick to caution that "the Alexander Technique is more of an integrated body-awareness campaign than a method of treatment." According to Rickover, certified Alexander Technique teachers believe that muscles retain excess stress due to erroneous repetitive movement, and the allocation of disproportionate energy that we give to common tasks, such as walking and sitting, lead to the build-up of stress in the muscles which exacerbates common aliments such as plantar fasciitis. Says Rickover, "The Alexander Technique is a teaching, observation and training technique, not a treatment method."
While no researchers or practitioners claim the Alexander Technique as a cure for plantar fasciitis, according to Rickover, they do claim that interactive mind/body consciousness of energy distribution (as it relates to movement), may, over time, alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and prevent the condition from recurring. "When you consider that all our weight is coming down on each foot alternately as we walk," says Rickover, "learning how to be consciously aware of our movement is beneficial for reducing those injuries that may be caused by inappropriate distribution of our weight; for example, when walking, most people press down harder on the floor than is necessary. The Alexander Technique makes you aware of body movement and how to properly use the flexibility of the hip, back, torso and neck."
Although it's possible to practice this technique yourself, according to Rickover, you will derive the best benefits by working with a certified teacher. "This technique is about observation and learning. You must be made aware of your body movement, and this is done by the teacher observing you and sometimes performing a gentle touch to guide your physical motion."
Rickover adds that "More often than not, when persons embark upon the journey of body awareness through the Alexander Technique, they usually receive residual effects--problematic conditions that have resulted in chronic pain may improve as a result of the lessons."
The medical community has been slow to embrace the technique, however, according to Rickover, many accredited institutions such as universities, particularly those that offer training in music disciplines, including Julliard School of Music in New York, will have at least one Alexander Technique teacher on staff.
