Deep tissue massage can be used to help treat multiple sports-related injuries. One such injury, commonly found in runners, is plantar fasciitis.

There is a thick connective tissue that runs the entire length of the bottom of the human foot. It starts on the five toes and extends to the bottom of the heel. This tissue is known as the plantar fascia. While running, runners land on the heel of the foot and then raise themselves on the toes before shifting the weight to the other foot. This causes the plantar fascia to come under strain, and when the strain becomes too much, the plantar fascia is likely to tear. Even if there is no tearing, the strain can be felt and is an indication of plantar fasciitis. Mountain climbers, aerobics practitioners, and hikers can also become afflicted by plantar fasciitis due to constant strain on the planar fascia.

In a blind study, 50% of the participants received a 10 minute deep tissue massage on the foot and calf, the other 50% received traditional therapy. A 6 week clinical trial was performed, each group received an ultra sound before and after treatment to determine changes. The average pain level was a 6.5 out of ten for all participants before the trial. After the trial the massage participants reported an average pain level of 1.4. The traditional therapy participants reported an average pain level of 4.6. Also the ultra sound results showed a dramatic change in healing compared to the traditional therapy participants.

Deep tissue massage is applied by using deep finger pressure on the fascia, Achilles heel, and calf muscles through slow strokes. The muscle fibers can be followed or pressure can be applied across tendons. Deep tissue massage can help to release the muscle tension, break scar tissue, and lead to its elimination. Deep tissue massage concentrates on specific areas, and it is likely that the patient may feel some soreness before and after the massage.

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