Do Massage Chairs Help Plantar Fasciitis? The Science Behind Foot Pain Relief
Most people experience foot pain at some point in their lives, but if you’re experiencing chronic foot pain, it could be a sign of something serious. In particular, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling might indicate peripheral neuropathy—a misfiring of the nervous system. If you have sharp, stabbing pains in the bottom of your foot near the heel, then you might be suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis can hinder your daily activity and lessen your quality of life, but there are at-home treatments you can do to help relieve the symptoms and reduce the chances you’ll have more flare-ups. Stretching and foot massage for plantar fasciitis has been shown to be effective, so if you’re looking for foot pain relief, read on for our recommendations.
The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical, financial, or professional advice.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain, affecting millions of people every year.
At the bottom of each foot, there’s a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. This tissue connects your heel bone to your toes and works like a shock-absorbing bowstring that supports the arch of your foot. When the plantar fascia is overused or damaged, it can become inflamed or overstretched, which leads to the painful condition known as plantar fasciitis.
The pain is typically described as sharp and stabbing, and it often hits hardest with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. You might find that the discomfort eases once you’re moving, but it tends to return after standing for long periods or getting up after sitting.
Although plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, certain groups are more prone to developing it:
- People over the age of 40 — Wear and tear over the years add up, and the plantar fascia is no exception.
- Individuals with flat feet, high arches or irregular walking patterns — When weight on the foot is distributed in a certain way, it can place extra stress on the fascia.
- Runners, dancers and people who are on their feet for hours — Repetitive impact and strain can break the tissue down over time.
- Individuals with a higher body weight — Excess weight increases the load on the feet, which can strain the plantar fascia over time.
The Science Behind Massage for Foot Pain Relief
For many people with plantar fasciitis, targeted massage therapy may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and even support a faster recovery. Foot massage is beneficial for plantar fasciitis because it improves blood flow, breaks up adhesions and releases tension in both the plantar fascia and the muscles that connect to it.
These are the best massages for treating plantar fasciitis:
- Direct plantar fascia massageMassaging the bottom of the foot helps release tension in the fascia, reducing strain and encouraging healing. Techniques like thumb pressure along the arch or rolling the foot over a ball can improve circulation and break up scar tissue.
- Trigger point therapy Studies show that proximal trigger point release — a technique focused on tight spots in the muscle — can reduce both pain and functional limitations in people with plantar fasciitis. These trigger points are often not in the foot itself, but in the calves or hamstrings, where tightness creates a chain reaction down to the foot.
- Calf massageTight calf muscles, especially the gastrocnemius and soleus, pull on the Achilles tendon, which connects directly to the heel. When these muscles are stiff (a common result of standing, running or wearing high heels for long periods), they increase the stress on the plantar fascia. Calf massage loosens these muscles, relieving pressure on the heel and arch.
While severe cases of plantar fasciitis may require more invasive treatments such as steroid injections or surgery, most cases can be treated with consistent home care — including targeted massage — and will improve within a few months.
Massage Chairs vs. Foot Massagers: Which Is Better for Plantar Fasciitis?
Regular massage can treat plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow and releasing tightness in surrounding muscles. For best results, the heel, arch and ball of the foot should be stretched and massaged several times a day for at least 6 weeks.
Just be aware that massage for plantar fasciitis can be uncomfortable — especially at first. If you push too hard or too fast, you can make the pain worse. Go slowly, and stop if the pain becomes sharp or intense. Your goal is relief, not aggravation.
While massage chairs and foot massagers can both provide the steady, targeted massage you need, massage chairs offer additional benefits that can aid your recovery.
How Foot Massagers Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Foot massagers are designed to apply deep, focused pressure to the areas where the plantar fascia runs. Many devices use rolling nodes and vibration to mimic the movements of a massage therapist. When used regularly — multiple times a day for at least six weeks — foot massagers can loosen the fascia, reduce inflammation and support healing.
How Massage Chairs Treat Plantar Fasciitis
While foot massagers focus only on the feet, massage chairs offer a full-body approach — which is helpful if your plantar fasciitis is linked to other issues, such as tight calves or a stiff lower back.
Massage chairs can provide added relief by:
- Massaging the calves, releasing tension in the muscles that pull on the Achilles tendon.
- Working up the hamstrings, glutes and back, which can all contribute to poor alignment and gait issues that stress the foot.
- Moving down to the soles, using rollers and air compression to target the plantar fascia directly.
- Using zero-gravity positioning to take pressure off your spine and feet while enhancing the effectiveness of the massage and stretching your legs.
This combination of deep muscle work and body alignment can create lasting relief, especially when paired with stretching and proper rest.
Key Massage Chair Features for Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Not every massage chair has the same features or functions, and some models are able to target the feet and lower body more effectively than others.
When you’re shopping for the best massagers for plantar fasciitis, here are the key features to look for:
- Foot rollers
Foot rollers stimulate nerve endings and promote better blood flow. They offer the targeted, high pressure essential for stretching the plantar fascia. Look for massage chairs with multi-speed settings to control the pressure based on your comfort level. - Calf compression
Air compression sleeves gently squeeze and release the calf muscles, which can help boost circulation in the lower legs and may reduce inflammation and fluid buildup. This can help relieve tension in the calves, which could be contributing to stress on your feet. - Heat therapy
Heat can help relax tight muscles, soothe irritated nerves and improve blood flow. Regular use of heat can ease pain and promote deeper relaxation, making it easier to sleep and function throughout the day. - Zero gravity recline
Zero gravity recline is a feature designed to elevate your legs and align your body in a neutral posture, reducing strain on your spine and joints. This can help take pressure off the body and provide a more even, effective massage. - Adjustable intensity and customization
For some people, intense pressure can be painful, especially at first, so it’s important to choose a massage chair that can adjust to your comfort level. Look for models with adjustable intensity, and adjust the settings as needed.
Top Massage Chairs Recommended for Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief
Kyota Genki M380
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The Kyota Genki M380 provides the features of a high-end massage chair — but at half the price point — by using an L-Track 2D roller system. Selected as a top massage chair pick for 2024 by The New York Times Wirecutter, the M380 offers a kneading and oscillating calf feature usually found only on chairs twice its price.
Retail Price: $7,999.00 |
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Kyota Yugana M780 4D
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Packed with groundbreaking features and cutting-edge massage technology, the Yugana offers Total Calf Kneading and Oscillating calf massage, combined with the soothing triple roller Total Sole Reflexology. This targeted lower body treatment also helps to reduce fatigue. With intelligent voice command, you can effortlessly operate the chair hands-free, enhancing your relaxation experience.
Retail Price: $9,799.00 |
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Kyota Kansha M878
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The Kyota Kansha M878’s state-of-the-art 4D back mechanism delivers a professional massage experience that can be easily controlled through intelligent voice command. Its combination of heat therapy, reflexology, zero-gravity recline, calf kneading and oscillation provides the full benefits of a therapeutic massage at home whenever you need it.
Retail Price: $9,799.00 |
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Kyota M980 Nokori Syner-D
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As the flagship of the Kyota lineup, the Kyota Nokori M980 Syner-D® Massage Chair combines a refined design with the most advanced massage technology available to ensure this chair looks and feels incredible. Featuring Syner-D® Technology, the M980’s unique Flex-Track combines the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the stretching capabilities of an S-Track to offer superior spinal decompression and a full-length neck-to-glutes massage.
Retail Price: $14,999.00 |
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Infinity Luminary Syner-D
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The Luminary’s unique Flex-Track combines the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the stretching capabilities of an S-Track to offer superior spinal decompression and a full-length neck-to-glutes massage. Calf kneading and oscillation and triple roller reflexology are just two of the many features available on this luxury model, which makes it one of the most advanced massage chairs available.
Retail Price: $15,999.00 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can massage worsen plantar fasciitis?
Massage can increase the inflammation and discomfort of plantar fasciitis, but only if it’s too intense or applied incorrectly. When massaging the bottom of your foot, start with a gentle, targeted massage and slowly increase the pressure over time.
How often should you use a massage chair for foot pain?
You should be massaging your plantar fascia at least a few times a week. Short, regular sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones. Adjust the pressure to your comfort level.
Are there any risks to using a massage chair for plantar fasciitis?
Overuse or high pressure can worsen your symptoms. You should also wait to massage the area if you’re experiencing an acute flare-up. Always start with a firm, yet gentle level of pressure and stop if pain increases.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or similar muscle or tissue pain, you may be eligible to use your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to purchase a massage chair. Learn how you can request a Letter of Medical Necessity to qualify for approval in using your HSA or FSA funds.
Interested in learning more about how the benefits of massage therapy can help you? Download and read our guide on Massage for Health & Pain Relief: Studies & Science You Need to Read.
