Heel Pain?
Every Step
Shouldn't Hurt.
Physio & Chiropractic · Foot Rehabilitation · 5 Clinics
That stabbing pain in your heel with the first steps of the morning — plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions our physiotherapists see. At WYLD, our physios manage the local foot rehabilitation while our chiropractors assess the biomechanical chain above — because how your pelvis, hip and ankle function directly affects how your foot loads.
Your Feet.
The Chain Above.
Plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes — affects approximately 1 in 10 people at some point. While the pain is in the foot, the cause often involves the entire lower limb chain: calf tightness, ankle mobility, hip weakness and pelvic alignment.
Our physiotherapists are your primary practitioners for plantar fasciitis — providing targeted stretching, progressive loading, dry needling and taping to manage the local tissue. Meanwhile, our chiropractors assess the biomechanical chain above: pelvic alignment, hip mechanics and lumbar function that influence how your foot strikes the ground. This combined approach addresses both the symptom and the cause.
At WYLD, physiotherapy for foot rehabilitation is complemented by chiropractic assessment of the pelvis and lower limb biomechanics, and massage therapy for calf and lower leg tension — all under one roof.
Book an AssessmentWhat Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia is repeatedly overloaded. These are the most common contributing factors our practitioners identify.
Overload & Overuse
Sudden increases in walking, running or standing time are the most common trigger. The plantar fascia becomes inflamed when the load placed on it exceeds its capacity to adapt — producing the characteristic stabbing heel pain with the first steps of the morning.
Calf & Achilles Tightness
Tight calf muscles and a stiff Achilles tendon directly increase the strain on the plantar fascia with every step. This is one of the most modifiable risk factors — and one of the first things our physiotherapists address through stretching, dry needling and progressive loading.
Ankle & Foot Stiffness
Restricted ankle dorsiflexion — often from previous ankle sprains or prolonged shoe wear — forces the foot to compensate, overloading the plantar fascia. Our physiotherapists assess and mobilise the ankle while our chiropractors assess the full lower limb chain.
Hip & Pelvic Dysfunction
This is the chiropractic perspective most foot-only clinics miss. A tilted pelvis or restricted hip changes how force travels down the leg to the foot. Our chiropractors commonly find that addressing pelvic alignment improves foot loading mechanics and supports plantar fasciitis recovery.
Footwear & Surfaces
Unsupportive shoes, worn-out trainers and hard surfaces (concrete, warehouse floors) all increase plantar fascia strain. Our physiotherapists can advise on footwear modifications and whether orthotics may be beneficial.
Weight & Activity Changes
Increased body weight, pregnancy and sudden changes in activity level all increase the load on the plantar fascia. A gradual, structured loading programme — designed by our physiotherapists — is essential for lasting recovery.
Physio & Chiro.
Foot to Pelvis.
Plantar fasciitis recovery works best when you address the foot itself (physiotherapy) AND the biomechanical chain above it (chiropractic). At WYLD, both work together under one roof.
Physiotherapy — Your primary practitioner for plantar fasciitis. Calf and plantar fascia stretching, progressive loading exercises (eccentric heel drops, towel curls), dry needling of tight calves and foot intrinsic muscles, taping and footwear advice. Evidence-based protocols for lasting recovery.
Chiropractic — Our chiropractors assess the biomechanical chain above the foot — pelvic alignment, hip mechanics and lumbar function. Through adjustment, chiropractic care aims to restore the mechanical environment that allows your foot to load evenly. Many patients are surprised by how much their foot responds to pelvic correction.
Massage Therapy — Deep tissue massage of the calves, Achilles and plantar fascia directly addresses the soft tissue tension that contributes to plantar fasciitis. Regular massage supports recovery between physio sessions and can provide significant comfort.
What to Expect
A thorough assessment of your foot AND the biomechanical chain above it — because plantar fasciitis rarely acts alone.
History & Symptoms
Your practitioner takes a detailed history — when the heel pain started, what aggravates it, your footwear, activity levels, training changes and any previous foot injuries.
Foot Assessment
A hands-on examination including range of motion testing, orthopaedic tests, neurological screening and spinal palpation to identify areas of restricted movement.
Clinical Findings
Your practitioner explains what they've found — the local foot issue and any contributing biomechanical factors — and outlines a combined physio + chiro plan tailored to your presentation.
Your First Session
Care typically begins immediately — physio exercises, taping and calf work for the foot, plus pelvic assessment and adjustment from your chiropractor if biomechanical factors are identified.
Foot Injury?
ACC Can Help.
If your foot pain is the result of an injury — a sudden increase in activity, a fall, or workplace strain — ACC may subsidise your physiotherapy and chiropractic care at WYLD.
No GP referral is required. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists are registered ACC providers and can lodge a new claim at your first appointment. Simply mention your injury when booking.
WYLD is also recognised by Southern Cross health insurance for chiropractic, physiotherapy and acupuncture.
Book Your Assessment
Select your nearest clinic to book online. New patients welcome. ACC patients — mention your foot injury when booking.
Plantar Fasciitis FAQ
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. It produces a characteristic stabbing pain in the heel, worst with the first steps of the morning or after prolonged sitting. It affects approximately 1 in 10 people.
Many people are surprised that chiropractors can support plantar fasciitis recovery. The pelvis and hip directly influence how force travels down the leg to the foot. Our chiropractors assess pelvic alignment and lower limb biomechanics to address the upstream factors that contribute to plantar fascia overload — complementing physiotherapy's direct foot work.
Most cases improve significantly within 6-12 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy management. However, this depends on the severity and how long the condition has been present. Chronic cases that have been untreated for months may take longer. Early intervention typically leads to faster recovery.
Start with physiotherapy for direct management of the plantar fascia — stretching, loading exercises, dry needling and taping. If biomechanical factors are identified (pelvic tilt, hip weakness, ankle stiffness), add chiropractic care to address the chain above. At WYLD, both work under one roof and can coordinate your care.
Not always. Many cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to stretching, strengthening and biomechanical correction without orthotics. However, for some patients — particularly those with flat feet or high arches — orthotics can provide valuable support. Our physiotherapists can advise whether orthotics may benefit your specific presentation.
If your plantar fasciitis resulted from an identifiable injury event — a sudden increase in activity, a fall, or workplace strain — ACC may subsidise your care. Our practitioners can assess eligibility and lodge a claim at your appointment. No GP referral required.
WYLD has 5 Auckland clinics: Ponsonby (20 Jervois Road), Newmarket (2A Railway Street), Takapuna (439 Lake Road), Howick (128 Picton Street) and Birkenhead (119 Birkenhead Avenue). All offer chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture. Open 7 days.
5 Auckland Clinics
"Plantar fasciitis responds best to a combined physio + chiro approach — our team works together across all 5 WYLD clinics to get you walking pain-free."
Ponsonby · Newmarket · Takapuna · Howick · Birkenhead