Targeted treatment for heel pain at Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW. A kinetic chain approach that addresses gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles, not just the heel. BTEC Level 5, 65 five-star Google reviews. First session from £60.
Plantar fasciitis causes sharp pain at the heel, typically worst on the first few steps in the morning or after rest. The plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue running along the arch of the foot, becomes irritated where it attaches to the heel bone. But the origin of the problem is almost always further up the leg.
When the gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles are chronically tight, they increase the load on the plantar fascia with every step. Over weeks of running, standing or walking, the cumulative strain produces micro-tears at the calcaneal insertion. Most treatment misses this by focusing only on the heel. The approach here works up the full posterior chain, releasing the calf and Achilles before addressing the fascia directly, which is why results last rather than returning within weeks. This condition frequently clusters with calf strain and shin splints in runners who are increasing mileage.
Or book via Treatwell · Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW
Gastrocnemius & Soleus
The two calf muscles that attach via the Achilles to the heel bone. Chronic tightness in both (particularly soleus, which is often overlooked) directly increases load on the plantar fascia. Deep longitudinal release of both is the first stage of treatment.
Achilles Tendon
The Achilles bridges the calf and the heel. Restricted Achilles mobility limits ankle dorsiflexion, forcing the foot to pronate excessively with every step. This is one of the most consistent mechanical contributors to plantar fasciitis in runners and on-feet workers.
Plantar Fascia & Calcaneal Insertion
Once the proximal drivers are released, direct work on the plantar fascia: longitudinal stripping along the arch and cross-friction at the heel attachment. This promotes tissue remodelling. This is most effective once tension from above has been reduced.
Tibialis Posterior
Frequently overlooked. Tibialis posterior weakness allows excessive pronation, placing asymmetric load on the medial arch and heel. Assessing its function distinguishes true plantar fasciitis from medial arch pain patterns that require a different treatment approach.
Three distinct populations seen regularly at the New Malden practice. Each presents with a different loading pattern but the same heel and arch pain.
The highest-risk group. Increases in training volume (particularly marathon blocks) load the posterior chain before the tissue has adapted. Plantar fasciitis frequently develops alongside calf tightness and shin splints when mileage ramps too quickly. Nick sees runners from Raynes Park Harriers, Kingston AC and Wimbledon Windmilers who need to keep training through recovery rather than stopping entirely. See sports performance maintenance for how treatment fits around marathon training.
Nurses, healthcare assistants and hospital staff who spend 8-12 hours on hard floors develop plantar fasciitis through sustained low-level loading rather than high-impact sport. Kingston Hospital is a short distance from the practice. This is a significant local audience. The treatment approach differs from runners: the goal is reducing cumulative daily load rather than managing training spikes.
South West London commuters who walk significantly more than usual. A new job, a change of commute, or a sudden increase in activity often develop plantar fasciitis from an abrupt load change on unconditioned tissue. The fascia has not had time to adapt to the increased demand. Early treatment at this stage produces the fastest resolution.
The session starts by assessing ankle dorsiflexion range, calf and Achilles tension, and foot mechanics, identifying which structures in the chain are most restricted. This shapes the treatment focus for that session.
Treatment works progressively from proximal to distal: deep longitudinal stripping through gastrocnemius and soleus, Achilles mobilisation, then direct plantar fascia work including longitudinal stripping along the arch and cross-friction at the calcaneal insertion. For runners managing active training, the 90-minute session allows enough time to address the full posterior chain including hamstrings and gluteals — all of which contribute to the load pattern. For stubborn presentations, deep tissue massage penetrates the soleus more effectively.
You will leave with specific eccentric calf loading exercises and a stretching protocol. Both are essential to maintain the gains from treatment and prevent recurrence.
13+ years treating plantar fasciitis, lower leg and foot problems in runners, active people and on-feet workers. Clinical background at Ewell Chiropractic treating chronic and complex heel and foot presentations alongside chiropractors. Treats members of local running clubs including Raynes Park Harriers and Kingston AC. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common presentations in these groups during marathon training blocks.
MSMA Member — Sports Massage Association (SMA)
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"Having been in tears thinking my Copenhagen Marathon was over with a calf injury four weeks out, Nick was incredibly thorough. I was able to make it to the start line and finished in 3 hours 6 minutes. I now look forward to Nick helping me with prevention rather than cure."
"Nick helped me cross the London Marathon finish line happy and injury-free. He provided tailored therapy to support my performance, recovery and alignment throughout training."
"Nick gets to the root of the problem every time — I always leave feeling like a completely different person. His technique is the best I have ever experienced."