The Manx Myo

What a fantastic morning with the local Geelong community. It was great to support the even managed a run myself with a personal best of 50:54. Took a massive 5 minutes of my previous 10k back in February

🦶 Could your soleus be contributing to your plantar fascia pain?

We often focus on the plantar fascia itself, but emerging research suggests we should also look higher up the chain.

A 2024 review published in Clinical Anatomy highlights the close anatomical and mechanical connection between the soleus fascia, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. Rather than working in isolation, these structures form a connected system that transfers load through the lower leg and foot.

If the calf complex isn’t functioning optimally, it may influence the forces experienced by the plantar fascia. While this doesn’t prove that soleus weakness causes plantar fasciitis, it does support assessing and addressing calf function—including the soleus—as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

💪 One exercise I often use is the bent-knee calf raise. Bending the knee places greater emphasis on the soleus, making it a great exercise to help build strength and capacity in this important muscle as part of an individualised rehabilitation program.

Pain isn’t always just where you feel it.

📚 Reference:
Ryskalin L, et al. Do the fasciae of the soleus have a role in plantar fasciitis? Clinical Anatomy. 2024.

SportsMassage FootPain LowerLimb Rehab EvidenceBasedPractice Geelong

Plantar fascia pain? Stop chasing temporary relief. One of the most common things I hear is people saying I rely on a spikey ball to fix their heel pain. While it might feel good for a few minutes it’s really doing nothing. Instead start building with ✅ big toe extensions ✅ theraband scrunches ✅ calf raises with a ball squeeze. Your foot likely can’t tolerate the demand you’re putting on it. Still need help ? Reach out I’m in Drumcondra, Geelong

🏋️ Strength training isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about building a body that can handle life.

Whether you’re training for a run, getting back into the gym, chasing your kids around, or simply wanting to move without pain, strength training is one of the most effective ways to improve your long-term health.

✅ Reduces injury risk
✅ Improves joint stability
✅ Builds stronger bones and muscles
✅ Enhances balance and mobility
✅ Boosts performance in sport and everyday life
✅ Helps manage persistent aches and pains

As a Myotherapist in Geelong, one of the biggest things I see is people relying solely on hands-on treatment. While treatment can reduce pain and improve movement, lasting results often come from combining it with a well-structured strength program.

Movement is medicine—but loading your body appropriately is what creates lasting resilience.

If you’re struggling with pain that’s stopping you from training, don’t just rest and hope it goes away. Let’s identify the cause, get you moving well again, and build the strength to keep you doing what you love.

📍The Manx Myotherapy – Geelong
💪 Myotherapy • Dry Needling • Strength-Based Rehabilitation

Have you started strength training yet? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Move better. Feel better. Recover with purpose.

Functional cupping is more than traditional cupping therapy. By combining cupping with movement, it helps address the way your body moves—not just where it hurts.

Using current knowledge from pain science, neuroscience, and movement, each treatment is tailored to your individual needs and functional limitations. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tightness, recovering from training, or simply looking to improve mobility, functional cupping can be a valuable part of your treatment plan.

Curious if it’s right for you? Send me a DM or book an appointment to find out how functional cupping can support your goals. 💛