“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 19 years of clinical practice, exclusively treating Musculoskeletal, Sports, Running, and Exercise-related conditions. Having completed more than 40,000 patient consultations, he is highly regarded for his ability to help patients of all ages recover from injury and return to the physical activities they love.
He has a strong professional interest in 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, and practical guidance.
Aleks’ career includes diverse roles across sport, footwear, and education. He previously 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 the Podiatrist for GPS (“Jeeps”) Rugby Union, Norths Devils Rugby League, and the Brisbane Roar Football Club.
As a managing partner at Podiatry at Sports & Spinal, Aleks is committed to supporting the professional growth of his team while ensuring the delivery of exceptional Sports, Exercise, Running, and Musculoskeletal Podiatry care.
His clinical expertise includes Sports, Exercise, and Running Podiatry, gait analysis, biomechanics, running shoe education, strength and conditioning, return-to-running programming, and multidisciplinary collaboration with GPs, Sports Physicians, and Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Aleks holds 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 the Burleigh and Broadbeach clinics.
Try this Mini Raw Blueberry Cheesecake from our expert Dietitian team 💙
Where your health journey begins 💙
Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Emily Abbott, has been bringing professional guidance to the Raising Mamas program, supporting new mums in the early months after birth.
Today is World Health Day! 🌏❤️🩹
Big news… we’re now offering Puppy Physiotherapy!
It’s been a week since we opened the doors to our brand-new Strathpine clinic, and we are loving welcoming the local community into our new space!
🦴 Did you know? 1 in 2 women over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, most often after menopause when bone density naturally declines.
Sports & Spinal Strathpine has officially opened it`s clinic doors! 🎉
Quick, simple, and gut-friendly! Small changes can make a big difference to your health.
#sportsandspinal #guthealth #healthyrecipes #rawdessert #blueberrylove
#sportsandspinal #healthyliving #wellnessjourney #physiotherapy
Women’s Health Physiotherapy covers pelvic floor and core health, bladder and bowel concerns, pregnancy-related conditions like mastitis, and lower back pain. Emily’s sessions give practical strategies and gentle exercises to help mums feel stronger, move more comfortably, and recover confidently.
Thanks to @raisingmamasaus for letting us share our expertise with your community!
#WomensHealth #PelvicHealth #PostnatalCare #SportsAndSpinal #MDT #CommunityCare
This year’s theme, `Together for Science`, highlights the WHO’s focus on how shared knowledge leads to better health outcomes. The World Health Organisation is encouraging collaboration across people, communities and healthcare teams - something we put into practice every day.
Across our network, our incredible clinicians at Sports & Spinal work together through our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) model.
By sharing observations and combining different areas of expertise, your care becomes clearer, more coordinated and genuinely tailored to what your body needs
Better teamwork. Better understanding. Better care.
#WorldHealthDay2026 #TogetherForScience #MDT #AlliedHealth
As you can see, our first client is already deep into their recovery plan and taking their rehab very seriously. 🐶💤
Personalised programs, expert rest breaks and plenty of pats are all included.
And no, this is defffffinitely not an #AprilFools joke. 😉
Love, the team at Sports & Spinal!
Our experienced team at 2/326 Gympie Rd is already hard at work providing personalised care across:
✅ Physiotherapy ✅ Women’s Health Physiotherapy ✅ Exercise Physiology ✅ Pilates & more!
Whether you`re recovering from an injury or looking to improve your overall wellbeing, we’re here to support your journey in our bright, modern new facility.
➡️ Ready to see the new space? Book your appointment today via the link in our bio!
#SportsAndSpinal #Strathpine #OneWeekIn #NewClinic #Physio #CommunityHealth
The good news 💪 Impact-loading and progressive resistance training are proven to help maintain bone mass and reduce fracture risk.
Try these simple at-home exercises or visit @sportsandspinalnoosa to start building stronger bones today! ✨
#SportsandSpinal #Physiotherapy #ExercisePhysiology #BoneHealth #Osteoporosis #StrengthTraining #AlliedHealth #Wellbeing
Now offering Women’s Health, Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy, right in the heart of Strathpine. Our team is here to support you with personalised care to help you move better and feel your best.
Come say hello (you can`t miss us!)👋
📍Units 1 & 2/326 Gympie Road, Strathpine 4500 QLD
