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, 66 five-star reviews. First session £80.
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, and the cumulative strain produces micro-tears at the heel attachment.
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.
The two calf muscles that attach via the Achilles to the heel bone. Chronic tightness in both, particularly the often-overlooked soleus, directly increases load on the plantar fascia. Deep longitudinal release of both is the first stage of treatment.
The Achilles bridges the calf and the heel. Restricted Achilles mobility limits ankle dorsiflexion, forcing the foot to pronate excessively with every step: one of the most consistent mechanical contributors to plantar fasciitis in runners and on-feet workers.
Once the proximal drivers are released, direct work on the plantar fascia follows: longitudinal stripping along the arch and cross-friction at the heel attachment to promote tissue remodelling. This is most effective once tension from above has been reduced.
Frequently overlooked. Tibialis posterior weakness allows excessive pronation, placing asymmetric load on the medial arch and heel. Attention to this muscle helps distinguish true plantar fasciitis from medial arch pain patterns that need a different treatment approach.
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.
Nurses, healthcare assistants and hospital staff who spend 8 to 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. The treatment goal here is reducing cumulative daily load rather than managing training spikes.
A new job, a change of commute, or a sudden increase in walking often triggers plantar fasciitis through an abrupt load change on unconditioned tissue. The fascia has not had time to adapt to the increased demand, and early treatment at this stage produces the fastest resolution.
The session starts with a conversation about your activity, footwear and how the pain behaves through the day, followed by hands-on assessment of the calf, Achilles and foot to establish which structures in the chain are most restricted. Treatment then works progressively from the calf downward: deep longitudinal work through gastrocnemius and soleus, Achilles release, and direct work on the plantar fascia itself.
First session £80 (usually £100) · view all rates · 🏛️ MSMA member; private health insurance may cover sessions, receipt provided on request.
"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."
CharlieMarathon Runner · Google Review"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."
LucyMarathon Runner · Google Review"I visited Nick after experiencing tight painful calves during my marathon training. I had 4 sessions in the lead up to the marathon, noticing a big difference after the second session and continued improvement after that. I was pleased to complete my first marathon, starting on legs that felt fresh after weeks of hard training."
AnnaMarathon Runner · Google ReviewRead all 66 reviews on the reviews page.
Yes. Plantar fasciitis responds well to targeted soft tissue release of the gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles tendon, the structures that load the plantar fascia with every step, combined with direct work on the plantar fascia itself. Most clients see significant improvement within 2 to 3 sessions. Treating the full kinetic chain rather than just the heel produces lasting results.
Not when applied correctly. The approach is to release the calf and Achilles first to reduce the tension pulling on the plantar fascia, before working directly on the fascia itself. Aggressive direct work on an acutely inflamed heel can aggravate symptoms temporarily, so Nick adapts the approach to the current stage of your condition.
Complete rest is rarely necessary and can slow recovery. The goal is load management: reducing high-impact activity while maintaining gentle movement to preserve blood flow to the fascia. The plantar fascia is relatively avascular tissue, meaning it heals slowly; controlled loading and targeted soft tissue release speeds this process.
Most clients see clear improvement within 2 to 3 sessions. Longstanding cases that have been present for months may need 4 to 6. You will receive specific stretching and loading advice after the first session; these exercises are a significant part of the recovery process alongside treatment.
Beverley Road, New Malden, KT3 4AW. Close to Kingston Hospital and a short walk from New Malden railway station, with free street parking nearby. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm.
First session £80 (usually £100): assessment and treatment in the same appointment at Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW.