“Our goal by outlaying the following approach is to improve our Podiatrist’s patient outcomes through clear communication and effective, evidence-based treatment strategies.”
Treating Plantar Fasciitis: Our Evidence-Based Approach
‘Heel Pain Treatment Hub’ at Podiatry at Sports & Spinal follows a specific evidence-based guide to help our Podiatrists treating stubborn plantar heel pain – commonly referred to as plantar fasciitis.
The guide is called ‘Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values.’1 and it was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021. Credibility to the guide is the journal that it is published within (Link here) and of course due to the authors – well-respected researchers and experienced clinicians. Please see here for the article abstract.
Q: What is a Systematic Review? A: It is a structured and comprehensive synthesis of research studies on a specific question, using rigorous and repeatable methods to minimise bias.
The key steps our Podiatrists will take you through:
- Utilize the core approach with strong evidence, focusing on plantar fascia stretching, taping, and education.
- Emphasize load management, pain education, addressing related conditions, and considering footwear.
- Monitor pain levels and aim to reduce discomfort to below 3 out of 10.
- Consider shockwave therapy if pain levels are still high (above 4-5 out of 10) after the core approach.
- Consider Shockwave therapy sooner if failed other similar core approach by another allied health professional.
- Initiate custom foot orthoses if patients have not responded well to previous treatments.
- Explain the importance of reducing tensile forces on the plantar fascia and the role of orthotics in de-loading.
- Must consider earlier than 12 weeks if your occupation involves you being on your feet all day and/or you are still trying to keep working towards an event or trying to continue a sports season.
- Consider injections (e.g., PRP, cortisone) for non-responsive cases after all of the above has been considered. Some patients do respond to injection therapy even though the evidence classes injections as experimental.
- At this stage we are ideally referring patients to a sports physician for further evaluation and/or execution of the injection. We work with and alongside a network of excellent Sports Physicians who we can refer you to if need be.
To discuss our approach in more detail please book online or call your closest hub and ask to speak to one of our friendly Podiatrists.
See you soon!
1.MORRISSEY, D. et al. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med, v. 55, n. 19, p. 1106-1118, Oct 2021. ISSN 1473-0480. Disponível em: < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33785535 >
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Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - Paediatrics & Musculoskeletal
Aleks Baruksopulo
Podiatry Founding Partner – Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise
Nicholas Roth
Podiatrist - Paediatrics & Musculoskeletal
Podiatrist – Paediatrics and Musculoskeletal
Nicholas is a passionate and dedicated podiatrist with a special interest in paediatrics, sports, and biomechanics. Graduating from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2015, he has since made the Gold Coast his home, where he enjoys life with his wife and two daughters. With a firm belief in the philosophy that “prevention is better than cure,” Nicholas focuses on helping his patients, particularly children, stay active and pain-free.
His goal is to see kids run, play, and enjoy their favourite activities without discomfort. Nicholas is also highly experienced in sports injuries, helping athletes recover and perform at their best while preventing future issues.
Outside of his professional life, Nicholas enjoys spending quality time with his family, often camping, fishing, and soaking up the beach lifestyle. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he is an avid football/soccer player and enjoys staying active in various sports.
Nicholas is committed to providing compassionate, expert care for patients of all ages, with a focus on improving mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
Nicholas is available for Podiatry appointments at our Broadbeach and Burleigh clinics.
Aleks Baruksopulo
Podiatry Founding Partner – Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise
Podiatry Founding Partner – Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise
Aleks is an experienced Podiatrist with over 20 years of sports clinical practice treating Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running, and Exercise-related conditions. Having completed more than 40,000 patient consultations, he is highly regarded on the Gold Coast for his ability to help patients of all ages recover from injury and return to the physical activities they love.
Aleks has been a previous high level junior athlete (Basketball), recreational athlete, fitness enthusiast and avid strength trainer (for performance and injury prevention) for over 30 years. His sporting pursuits have spanned Basketball, Triathlons, Endurance Running (½ marathons), Rowing (still water and surf boats) and most recently Tennis – an incredibly frustrating (but highly enjoyable) sport to try and master!
Now being in his mid-40s with his personal and clinic experience he has a clear understanding about the importance of maintaining physical strength, conditioning and “smart” activity to help “keep together” an aging body (and mind) from a life well physically lived.
He has a strong professional interest in preventing running injuries and has authored The Runner’s Foot Guide – Feet, Shoes, Myths & Tips, (available on Amazon and in clinic). His work reflects a longstanding passion for supporting runners through evidence-based care, education, practical guidance and collaboration with other allied health and medical professionals.
Aleks’ career includes diverse roles across sport, footwear, and education. He previously co-owned a specialty running shoe store, The Podiatry Shoe Lab, completed the Level 2 Athletics Australia Recreational Running Coach accreditation, and served as a clinical supervisor for Southern Cross University’s Podiatry program at the Gold Coast campus. He has also been a treating Podiatrist for GPS (“Jeeps”) Rugby Union (Brisbane), Norths Devils Rugby League (Brisbane), Wilston Grange AFL club (Brisbane) and the Brisbane Roar Football Club (Brisbane).
He has treated professional athletes including Olympians (Basketball, Weightlifting & Running), Basketballers (NBA & NBL), NRL football players and Surf Sports. He has treated an array of junior level emerging stars from Basketball, different Football codes, Tennis, Running, Triathlon and Surf Sports. He has also treated an ‘A-List’ US movie star – whose name he will keep a secret!
Aleks holds 2 degrees – a Podiatry degree from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a Biomedical Science degree from the University of Queensland (UQ).
He is available for Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running, and Exercise Podiatry appointments at our Broadbeach and Burleigh clinics.
It takes an incredible team to bring Better Outcomes Conference to life, and we couldn`t do it without our amazing sponsors!
It’s hard to believe we’re almost eight months into the year!
Just two weeks to go!
Australia is facing a chronic shortage of healthcare professionals, and we urgently need more graduates entering the allied health workforce.
One conference. More than 20 disciplines. Endless opportunities to learn.
The wait is over! 🎉
Try these Mexican-Style Fries Supreme 🌶️
Our team love what we do!
A huge thank you to these fantastic organisations for jumping on board and helping make the Better Outcomes Conference 2026 possible. We`re so excited to have you with us for a day of learning, collaboration and connection.
See you in two weeks!
To our 2026 New Grad cohort, we couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve achieved.
Over the past few months, we’ve watched you grow in confidence, embrace every learning opportunity and build meaningful relationships with your patients. Seeing your appointment books fill, hearing the positive feedback from patients and colleagues, and watching you settle into your teams has been incredibly rewarding.
Recently, we also came together for our Mid-Year Refresher Training, taking time to reflect, reconnect and continue building on everything you`ve learned so far. Supporting our New Grads doesn`t stop after orientation, it`s something we`re committed to throughout the year and beyond.
You`re doing an incredible job, and we can`t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.
#SportsandSpinal #NewGradLife #AlliedHealthCareers
The countdown is on for the #BetterOutcomesConference2026 🙌
In just 14 days, clinicians, legal professionals and industry leaders from more than 20 disciplines will come together in Brisbane to learn from one another, share ideas and strengthen the way we work together.
Why? Because when professionals collaborate, the people we care for benefit.
Proudly hosted by Sports & Spinal Group @travis_schultz_partners, the Better Outcomes Conference is all about building stronger connections, sharing knowledge and finding new ways to deliver even better care and support for our patients and communities.
We can`t wait to welcome our colleagues and partners for another inspiring day of learning, collaboration and connection.
#BetterOutcomesConference #BetterCare #AlliedHealth #HealthcareCollaboration #SportsAndSpinal
To qualify, students across occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and other allied health professions are required to complete hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of hours of mandatory unpaid clinical placement.
Many experience significant financial hardship during this time, often referred to as `placement poverty`, due to lost income and the added costs of travel, accommodation, food and other living expenses.
To help address this issue, Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) has launched a national petition calling for the Commonwealth Prac Payment to be expanded to all allied health students.
We encourage you to support the next generation of allied health professionals by signing the petition and helping end placement poverty.
LINK IN BIO!
Better Outcomes Conference 2026, proudly hosted by Sports & Spinal Group and Travis Schultz & Partners, brings together an incredible group of experts who are passionate about improving the way we care for and support people through every stage of their journey.
From healthcare and rehabilitation to personal injury and beyond, each speaker brings a unique perspective, helping to spark meaningful conversations, strengthen collaboration and ultimately achieve better outcomes.
We`re proud to welcome such an inspiring lineup this August.
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Sports & Spinal Noosa`s new clinic is officially open.
Our team has settled into the new upstairs space, complete with a larger gym, additional consultation rooms, and remedial massage services, all designed to help us support even more of the Noosa community.
We`re incredibly proud of the new space and can`t wait for you to see it.
Pop in and say hello next time you`re in the area, or book your next appointment to experience the new clinic for yourself!
🔗 Link in bio to book.
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Our expert dietitian team has shared this quick, tasty, and gut-friendly recipe that’s perfect for a healthy twist on a classic favourite!
#sportsandspinal #healthyrecipes #guthealth #sweetpotatofries #nutritionmadeeasy
We are always looking for passionate people to join us. Check out our available roles on our website; your next opportunity could be just a click away!
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