On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:25:47 -0500, the infamous Paul Franklin
scrawled the following:

On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:36:01 -0800, Larry Jaques
wrote:

Excellent. Does she still have the instructions? Most of the
exercises should have names. Could you ask her what they are for me?
TIA.


A bit of a search did not turn up her instructions, but she described
them for me.

She would freeze a water bottle and then place it on the carpet and
roll it slowly back and forth with the bottom of her foot for a
minute or so, then switch feet, then repeat several times. The
combination of cold and stretching really helped when the pain was
bad.

Stretches included standing on a step with only the toes and ball of
foot and then lowering heel and holding for 30-60 seconds. Then
alternate feet and repeat several times.

Using one of those wide stretchy resistance bands (you can get at
sporting goods stores) she would lay on back, loop the band under the
toes and ball of her foot, and pull on the band firmly to stretch the
foot. Again, alternating and repeating. This was done with the toes
pointed up (toward ceiling) but also to the left and right (twisting
the leg). Supposedly stretches slightly different parts of the foot.

Then, also using the band and while still lying on back, raise one
leg straight up and pull down on the band to stretch the foot again.
Alternate, repeat....

Those were the main exercises. My wife said during the 2 or 3
sessions she had with the physical therapist, the PT did a long deep
tissue massage of both feet. It was uncomfortable during the massage,
but gave her a lot of relief afterwards. The PT said it helps loosen
scar tissue and stretch the tendons.

Thanks immensely, Paul. I'll try those immediately.

I also need to remember to stop squatting. I do that a lot in my work
(handyman) so I need to remember to put my knee pads on and kneel
instead.

Losing about 20 lbs will help take the stress off, too. I think I'll
do that tomorrow morning, before lunch.

--
The greatest fine art of the future will be the making
of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.
--Abraham Lincoln