A testament to the power of a good massage
 

For years now (15 to 16 to be not so precise) my feet have been plagued by discomfort and occasional pain. I'm certain that this all began with the flat boot issued to me in basic training accompanied by all the marching, then four years in those boots.

Having flat feet also does not help. As I aged, my heels began to ache. I had a really good chiro who, unlike foot doctor M.D. types, diagnosed my problem in less than one minute. Orthotics helped tremendously in my recovery from heel pain.

Fast forward ten years, and the ball of my foot begins to ache/lose sensation/keep me awake at night from the discomfort. I considered that I might be diabetic (mucho weight loss in a short amount of time right around when this occurred). Nope. Flat feet, sure. Sleeping in shoes or sturdy slippers helped, but that's a pain.

Fast forward yet again. Stopped drinking like a frat boy, changed my diet, and my feet felt a little better - it was noticeable. But not the best.

I stretch more than most, not only before and after rides, but in the morning when I get up and occasionally before work. It helps.

All of this results in maybe 10% improvement.

And then I discovered massage.

Had my first massage a month ago at the age of 43. I have ridden centuries, been a cross country runner, walked drunk and lost through the streets of Amsterdam (it's confusing), and there was something wrong with my feet from years of abuse and excess. I went into the session with no expectations. I made it a point to let her know only the necessities, but wanted to see if she would figure out my problem area.

After all was said and done, she said she had never felt such big knots in anyone's feet before. It felt good while she was massaging them (the calves and glutes also helped), but the real payoff came over the next week. Massage is the magic bullet that has released my feet from a potential lifetime of increasing pain and discomfort.

I am going back two times a month for the next two months hoping that it is progressively therapeutic. It is out of my budget, but considering my plight, a bargain at twice the price.

Just thought I'd post this for anyone who may be experiencing pain from plantar fasciitis or anything related. I may be the last to know :D

If you have insurance, consider seeing a chiropractor. The massage is an added bonus. ;)

totally agree. you gotta reward the engine from time to time. i get at least one a month. i reduces stress, relieves knotted up muscles and gets me ready for the next sufferfest. later.

Good chiros are hard to come by. I truly believe in the power of chiro, but the massage is what did it. No adjustment or other treatments I have tried, and I've tried 'em all, has come close to what the message did.

The cool thing about it is that it is more medicinal than a treat for my tired muscles. It's like the Holy Grail.

Massage is key.
it's made significant difference in increasing my range of motion after shoulder surgery (once I completed months of PT).
Now I'm facing a second shoulder surgery, I looking to massage to relieve some of the pain from another torn rotator cuff.
The benefits to your circulation alone are as well huge.

Don't hesitate to get a pedicure once in a while too.
Not to mention the bonus cleavage view for the guys!

That's what I'm kinda implying. :) The massage is awesome.

The wife has been trying to get me to do the pedi thing, but I have declined. Perhaps it is time to indulge in some cleava...er, care for my feet. :innocent: