Foot Mobilisation Therapy
What is foot mobilisation therapy?
Foot mobilisation therapy, also known as FMT, is a manual therapy technique in which the joints, muscles and soft tissues of the foot and ankle are manipulated to improve their function and reduce pain. Foot mobilisation therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment that can be used to reduce pain in a number of foot-related conditions; this includes:
Ankle sprains
Achilles tendonitis
Cuboid syndrome
Mortons Neuromas
Flat Feet
Osteoarthritis
Foot mobilisation therapy can also be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as orthotics, to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
How Does Foot Mobilisation Therapy Work?
When undertaking foot mobilisation therapy, your therapist or podiatrist will use their hands to gently apply pressure to areas of your feet and stretch areas of tension using mobilisation techniques to work the foot and ankle joints, ligaments, and muscles. The main aim of this procedure is to restore a normal range of motion, correct any imbalances or dysfunction and improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in your feet. It will also help to reduce inflammation and help to improve your general mobility.
Your FMT therapist or podiatrist will often give you a set of exercises that you should follow to continue to build strength in your foot and improve the gains provided through manual therapy.
What can foot mobilisation therapy be used to treat?
As mentioned previously, foot mobilisation therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of foot conditions. It can also be used as a preventative measure for those who may be prone to foot problems, such as those who exercise or play sports regularly or those that spend a lot of time on their feet for work. Foot mobilisation therapy is a complementary form of therapy when used with orthotics, physical therapy, pain medication, or steroid injections.
Foot mobilisation therapy can also aid in the treatment of a number of foot deformities, such as flat feet, bunions and hammer toes.
How Many Sessions Of Foot Mobilisation Therapy Are Required?
We offer foot mobilisation therapy over a six weeks course of treatment in which treatments are twice weekly. During this time, you will be given a set of exercises to complete to maintain your foot strength. After three weeks, we will review your condition. In most cases, we typically find that things are up to 50% better by this point.
Over time, the soft tissue preventing the foot from its regular range of motion will form new bonds in the correct positions, restoring natural and pain-free function.
Many patients find that foot mobilisation therapy can really aid in the treatment of the foot problem they are facing. If you think that fmt may be able to help you, contact us! We will be happy to assess your situation, diagnose your foot problem and help you with the treatment.