Chiropractor Dr. Shawn Morris, DC, discusses evaluation-based conservative care considerations for plantar fasciitis and heel pain, including common contributing factors, first-line management strategies, and when further medical evaluation may be necessary.
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — January 16, 2026 — Chiropractor Dr. Shawn Morris, DC, provides evaluation-based conservative musculoskeletal care and commonly sees patients seeking guidance for plantar fasciitis and heel pain, one of the most frequent causes of foot discomfort in adults.
Plantar fasciitis involves irritation or degeneration of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot and helps absorb forces during walking. Mayo Clinic guidance describes plantar fasciitis as a common source of stabbing heel pain, often worse with the first steps after periods of rest. The condition may develop gradually and is frequently associated with repetitive strain, prolonged standing, changes in activity level, footwear factors, or altered foot mechanics.
“Heel pain is a symptom description, not a single diagnosis,” Morris said. “Evaluation focuses on identifying contributing factors such as tissue load, calf flexibility, arch mechanics, and gait habits before discussing any specific approach.”
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes stretching of the calf and plantar fascia, activity modification, and supportive measures as common first-line approaches. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, similarly notes that conservative care often centers on reducing strain to the plantar fascia while supporting flexibility and gradual return to activity.
Patients frequently seek care after symptoms begin interfering with work duties requiring prolonged standing, exercise participation, or routine walking. The clinic reports that common questions include how long symptoms may take to improve, what activities should be adjusted, and how care duration depends on symptom history and functional limitation.
Research indexed through the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine describes variability in outcomes across different conservative interventions and emphasizes that improvement often depends on adherence to load-management strategies and individual biomechanical factors. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the NIH, notes that research on laser-based therapies in musculoskeletal pain contexts shows mixed findings, with effectiveness influenced by how and when interventions are applied.
“Patients generally want to understand what is contributing to the strain and what changes matter most,” Morris said. “Conservative care planning typically involves adjusting load, supporting tissue recovery, and monitoring functional progress.”
The clinic emphasizes that persistent pain, significant swelling, neurological symptoms, or lack of improvement over time may warrant additional medical evaluation. Care recommendations depend on individual findings, and not every patient is a candidate for the same approach.
Dr. Morris practices at ReliefNow Laser East Brunswick, where he provides conservative evaluation for musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine, joints, and soft tissues.
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Media Contact:
Dr. Shawn Morris, DC
ReliefNow Laser East Brunswick
Phone: 732-353-6677
Website: https://reliefnowlaser.com/providers/east-brunswick/
