People with plantar fasciitis often complain about pain in the heel that is most painful with the first few steps in the morning. The pain then subsides with movement. Massage can treat the musculature that places stress on the plantar fascia—the thick connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes.

Massage can also treat soft tissue injuries that mimic plantar fasciitis. Pain in the foot that results from a long day of walking but never occurs in the morning is more likely to be pain referred from trigger points in the calf muscle that is felt in the foot. Either way, neuromuscular massage can help relieve the symptoms.