Heel Pain
Heel pain is common and usually comes from the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. We assess precisely and rebuild the tissue with targeted loading at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we treat. It usually comes from the plantar fascia underneath the heel or the Achilles tendon at the back — and while it can be stubborn, it responds well to the right physiotherapy.
At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we identify the exact source of your heel pain and build a targeted plan — loading, hands-on treatment, footwear advice and, for stubborn cases, shockwave therapy — to settle it and keep it away.

What You Feel
- Pain under the heel, often worst with the first steps in the morning
- Pain at the back of the heel during or after activity
- Tenderness when pressing the heel
- Discomfort that eases as you walk, then returns
- Pain after sitting or standing for long periods
- Aching in the heel by the end of the day
- Pain when walking barefoot or on hard floors
- Discomfort that worsens with increased activity
Common Causes
- Plantar fasciitis affecting the underside of the heel
- Achilles tendinopathy affecting the back of the heel
- Sudden increases in walking, running or standing
- Poor foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches
- Inappropriate or worn-out footwear
- Tight calf muscles increasing heel load
- Being overweight, increasing load on the heel
- Age-related changes in the tissues
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Heel pain affects runners, walkers, people who stand for long hours, and anyone whose foot mechanics place extra load on the heel. We help with both recent onset and stubborn, long-standing heel pain that hasn't responded to other treatment.
If your heel hurts with the first steps in the morning, after rest, or during activity, we'll find the source and build a plan to settle it — even for chronic cases.
Struggling with Heel Pain?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment identifies the exact source of your heel pain. We palpate the heel and surrounding structures, test the calf and Achilles, assess your foot mechanics and flexibility, and review your footwear and activity.
Getting the diagnosis right matters because plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy need different, specific approaches. We'll explain your diagnosis and design a programme to settle the pain and rebuild the tissue.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to identify the exact source of heel pain
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and soft tissue tension
- A progressive loading programme for the affected tissue
- Calf and foot strengthening to support the heel
- Footwear and foot mechanics advice
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases where appropriate
Expected Recovery
Heel pain typically improves over 6–12 weeks with consistent loading and the right management. Acute cases settle faster, while stubborn, long-standing cases take longer and often benefit from shockwave therapy.
Consistent loading — rather than rest — is what finally rebuilds the tissue. We guide your progress and adjust the load as the tissue adapts, so you keep moving toward pain-free walking and activity.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Heel Pain Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Precise Source Diagnosis
Heel pain has several sources needing different treatment. We identify exactly which is causing yours, so treatment targets the real problem.
Loading, Not Just Rest
Heel pain needs a progressive loading programme to rebuild the tissue — rest alone rarely resolves it. We build this around your tolerance.
Shockwave for Stubborn Cases
For long-standing heel pain, we offer shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in chronic tissue — often a turning point for stubborn cases.
Footwear & Mechanics Advice
We address the footwear and foot mechanics driving your heel overload, so the pain stops coming back once settled.
Honest Timelines
Heel pain can be stubborn. We give realistic expectations and a clear plan, so you understand normal progress and aren't discouraged.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — important when walking is painful.
Related Conditions We Treat

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning. We settle the irritation and rebuild the tissue with targeted loading and hands-on treatment at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the heel, often worst in the morning or after running. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Ankle Pain
Ankle pain can come from a sprain, a tendon, the joint or referred from elsewhere. We assess precisely and rebuild strong, stable, pain-free ankle movement at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a painful tendon condition caused by overuse, affecting tendons throughout the body. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
Learn More
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that is particularly effective for stubborn tendon problems, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, and other chronic soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to conventional treatment.
Learn More
Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.

