Healing the Heel: Low-Level Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent causes of heel pain, often developing gradually until each step feels like a challenge. This common foot condition affects millions of people—especially runners, active adults, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your heel bone to your toes, supporting your arch with every step. Over time, repetitive stress, poor footwear, or changes in foot mechanics can cause tiny tears in the fascia.
While “fasciitis” sounds like an inflammatory condition, it’s actually more of a degenerative process—the collagen fibers weaken, thicken, and lose their elasticity. The result is persistent heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.
You may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you:
Have flat feet or very high arches
Spend long hours standing or walking on hard surfaces
Are an avid runner (especially long-distance)
Wear unsupportive footwear
Have tight calf muscles
Are overweight
Experience changes in your gait
Treatments Options
Traditional care often includes stretching, orthotics, night splints, and manual therapy. While these can be helpful, some cases take months, or even longer, to fully resolve. That’s where low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy, comes in.
Our clinic in Bend, Oregon treats patients with LLLT, which utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce pain and inflammation.
Here’s what happens during treatment:
Enhanced collagen production helps rebuild strong, flexible fascia
Improved circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue
Reduced inflammation eases surrounding discomfort
Accelerated cellular repair supports long-term recovery
In clinical studies, patients treated with LLLT reported improved mobility and decreased pain, often within weeks. Combining laser therapy with shockwave therapy can further enhance results for chronic or stubborn cases.
Unlike steroid injections or long-term medications, laser therapy is drug-free and non-invasive. It supports healing rather than masking symptoms, and is a great option for patients who want to return to activity safely and naturally.
What to Expect in Treatment
During your session, you’ll relax while a laser device is placed over the affected area—typically the heel and arch. Treatments are painless, non-invasive, and without side effects. Most patients notice relief within several sessions, with a typical treatment plan involving multiple visits over several weeks for optimal results.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living
If heel pain has been limiting your movement or keeping you from your favorite activities, laser therapy for plantar fasciitis can help restore comfort, flexibility, and strength—naturally.
Our chiropractic clinic offers advanced low-level laser treatments to help you heal from the ground up.
Book your consultation today to discover how our team can help your feet feel and function their best.