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Stiff, sore feet that make walking hard work?
Help moving more easily while you rebuild strength
Hands-on care: a treatment option for foot and ankle pain
Hands-on care is one of the treatment options we may suggest after assessing your foot and ankle. It includes foot mobilisation, foot manipulation and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilisation (IASTM), done with the podiatrist's hands or a hand-held tool. It may ease stiffness and pain for a while, so walking and your exercises are easier to keep up. It is offered alongside exercise, footwear advice or other care, and you can choose not to have it.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
Hands-on care may ease stiffness and pain for a while, so walking and your exercises are easier. You can always choose not to have it.
- Foot mobilisation: gentle, repeated movement of a stiff joint
- Foot manipulation: a quick, small movement that may click
- IASTM: a smooth hand-held tool over muscle, tendon or the plantar fascia
- Always alongside exercise, footwear advice or other care: strength and rehab
What happens at your appointment
Suggested
Only if your assessment shows it may help.
Explained
What it involves, what it may feel like and the other options, before we start.
Reviewed
Against a change we agree to look for, and stopped if it isn't helping.
Before and after your visit
- Wear shorts, or trousers that roll up above the knee
- Some redness or tenderness afterwards is common and settles
- Keep up your exercises: hands-on care works alongside them
- Tell us if anything feels uncomfortable during or after
Is it right for me?
- Stiff, sore feet or ankles, including heel pain and ankle sprains
- As part of a wider plan, not on its own
- Not suitable over a suspected fracture or some medical conditions; we check first
If you can't bear weight, have marked swelling or deformity, or suspect a fracture, seek urgent medical care. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Hands-on care questions
What helps stiff, sore feet that make walking hard work?
After an assessment, care usually combines exercise and footwear advice; hands-on care (gentle joint mobilisation, manipulation or soft-tissue work) may ease stiffness for a while so walking and exercises are easier. It's always optional and charged on top of the appointment, quoted first.
What is foot mobilisation and manipulation?
Mobilisation is gentle, repeated movement of a stiff joint within its range. Manipulation is a quick, small movement that may make a click. We explain which one we suggest and why, and you can say no to either.
What is IASTM?
Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilisation uses a smooth hand-held tool over muscle, tendon or the plantar fascia. It can feel firm; we adjust the pressure as we go. Some redness or tenderness afterwards is common and usually settles within a day or two.
Does hands-on care cost extra?
Yes. Hands-on care is charged on top of your appointment fee, and we quote the cost during your consultation before starting. Appointments are from $112. Fees and rebates
Where to next
Sources
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026