The spinal cord ends at the lower part of the thoracic spine. It doesn’t actually run through the lower back. The cord originates at the base of the brain, extends down through the bony canal of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae to then branch out into a “horse’s tail” of nerve roots (known as the cauda equina). These nerve roots then innervate all the muscles and organs of the lower half of the body.
Compression on a low back nerve root, either where it exits the spinal column or within a muscle of the hips, legs and/or feet can cause discomfort and pain anywhere along that route. The two nerve roots most commonly pinched in the lower back are L5 and S1. It is the S1 nerve root that can be implicated in plantar fasciitis.
The S1 nerve root and its branches run through 34 muscles. Compression on the nerves can cause weakness, numbness, pain and/or reduced function. In instances where plantar fasciitis has not responded satisfactorily to treatment on just the feet it can be pressure on the S1 nerves holding back full recovery. Releasing compression on the entire S1 nerve root path is often the key.
In the Plantar Fasciitis: Prevention & Protocol workshop, attendees learn a combination of therapist assisted passive and active leg movements to clear nerve compression muscle memory and re-educate the muscles to a balanced state. The release of nerve impingement in the hips and legs is combined with a solid foot component to create a successful treatment for stubborn plantar fasciitis cases. Identifying the problem areas between hip and heel make it possible for the therapist to recommend a custom-designed “homework” package to prevent re-occurence.
Only three opportunities left in 2012:
August 25 & 26 – Saint Augustine, Florida
September 15 & 16 – Guelph, Ontario
September 22 & 23 – Montreal, Quebec
Do you have videos of this workshop for sale? I just sent you an email to this effect, and then I got your newsletter. How does it get any better than this? Psychic power…
I also want to specialize in the area of neuropathy relief for diabetics.
Do you have any recommendations in approaching doctors?
I do not have videos of my classes, Wanda. Sorry. Approaching doctors is not an easy topic to explain in a post. First you must have credentialing and a lot of successful experiences dealing with the conditions you want to discuss with the doctor. It often works best when satisfied clients talk to their doctors for you. If you hold a massage license, it’s much easier; the doctor may be willing to write a prescription if his or her client is seeing success with your work.
Dear Karen, Hi,all the best for your tour. Recently I have developed a pain just above my hip bone. Kindly suggest.
Raju – I’m sorry it’s not really possible for me to advise you. That would require being able to ask lots more questions and be able to palpate the hip. I guess my advice would be to check out your posture and exercise habits. If that doesn’t do it, then see a healthcare practitioner for an assessment. All the best.
Dear Karen,
I wanted to attend your workshop in St Augustine but was unable to due to a family reunion up in Rhode Island. I am wondering when you are planning to do it again? Also, belated thanks for the Ko Tan reference….appreciated it. Hope that you are doing well. I am fine and managing to stay fairly busy….look forward to seeing you at one of your workshops!!! xx Sonia
Sonia – I haven’t set my schedule yet for 2013, but fully expect to hold the Plantar Fasciitis class before next September. Never fear! I look forward to seeing you too!
Hi Karen,
I see that the west coast isn’t on your list this time around. Any chance of teaching the plantar fasciitis workshop in Victoria in the near future?
Lee
Well, it won’t be this year. Maybe next. I like the idea of doing a workshop in Victoria again, or even in the interior of BC. We’ll see.