Foot Mobilisation
Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) is a manual therapy originating from chiropractic techniques. It improves the function and alignment of the foot and ankle through gentle mobilisation in conjunction with exercises. Treatment is tailored to the patient, depending on the level of care needed.
This form of manual therapy involves finding and treating the cause of your pain rather than just the symptoms, by individually assessing each bone and joint in the foot and ankle to determine the areas of joint restriction and using your own body’s natural repair process to reduce pain and improve foot posture.
If the joint restriction is long-standing, there can often be muscular weakness or ligament damage. These factors are taken into consideration as your podiatrist begins to restore function.
Mobilisation can sometimes be used as an alternative to orthotic therapy as well as an adjunct therapy. Some clients choose to not wear orthoses all day and or only wear them for certain activities such as running and sport. In these instances, the use of manipulation and exercises to strengthen the foot can be a very effective combination.
How does it work?
- The therapy reduces restrictions and stiffness of the joints in the feet, improving the position of the joints to allow your body to naturally restore its optimal biomechanics (structure and movement of the body).
- The joints will be taken through their natural range of motions to break up adhesions and restrictions within the area that prevents the joint to operate at its best position.
- Treatment is usually combined with corrective exercises, which allow you to contribute and maintain the improvement of your feet after each treatment session.
Benefits of Foot Mobilisation
Foot mobilisation is a non- invasive and safe method of treatment with the following benefits:
- Allows the body to naturally repair itself through mobilising restricted joints to promote joint fluid production.
- Returns bones and joints to their optimal position which allows chronic musculoskeletal injuries to heal.
- Improves joint integrity, foot posture and muscle strength.
Conditions Treated:
Our podiatrists use this treatment for conditions such as:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprains and weakness
- Bunions
- Cuboid syndrome
- Flat feet
- Hammer toes
- Heel spurs
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
What to Expect during an FMT consult?
Your Podiatrist will discuss your treatment plan during your initial consultation which will include a biomechanical assessment, and video gait analysis to determine if FMT is the right treatment for your condition. From the initial consult, your treatment plan will be individually tailored to best improve your joint mobility and allow your feet to return to their most optimal position. Usually one session per week is required followed by one session per month in conjunction with take-home exercises to maintain your results.
