 If you struggle with heel pain or plantar fasciitis, you’re not alone — this is one of the most common causes of foot discomfort we see at Life in Balance Physical Therapy & Pilates in Normandy Park. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that supports your arch becomes irritated or inflamed, often causing sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing.
Our clinic offers Shockwave Therapy, an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses precise soundwave energy to stimulate natural healing in damaged tissues. Shockwave Therapy increases local blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes cell regeneration and collagen production—helping repair the plantar fascia at its source rather than just masking pain. Many patients begin to notice improvement within just a few sessions. Each treatment is quick, drug-free, and requires no injections or downtime. At Life in Balance PT & Pilates, our licensed physical therapists combine Shockwave Therapy with customized exercise programs, manual therapy, and movement retraining to address the root cause of your heel pain and prevent recurrence. If you’re looking for effective plantar fasciitis treatment in Normandy Park, near Burien and Des Moines, our team is here to help you move comfortably again—naturally. Get in touch! Life in Balance Physical Therapy & Pilates 19711 1st Ave South, Normandy Park, WA 98148 🌐 libpt.com | 📧 [email protected] 206-913-8082
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If you’ve been dealing with nagging heel pain, tendon soreness, or muscle tightness that just won’t go away — even after rest, stretching, or injections — there’s a new option that’s helping many people get back to moving again.
It’s called Shockwave Therapy, and it’s now available at Life in Balance Physical Therapy & Pilates in Normandy Park, WA. Shockwave Therapy (also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT) uses gentle sound waves to stimulate your body’s own healing process. Think of it like a “wake-up call” for injured tissue — increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and helping the body repair itself naturally. Sessions are non-invasive, take only about 10–15 minutes, and most patients need just 3–6 treatments to notice lasting improvement. Shockwave Therapy can help with many common conditions, including:
If you’ve tried traditional PT or other treatments, or just aren't healing as quickly as you'd like, this may be the missing link. Why Patients Love It ✅ Fast results — many people feel better within a few sessions ✅ No injections, medications, or downtime ✅ Safe, FDA-cleared technology ✅ Proven in medical studies to reduce pain and improve function What to Expect You’ll feel light pulses during treatment — not painful, but noticeable. Afterward, your body begins the healing process, and you can go right back to normal activity. Most patients report feeling looser and less sore within days. A Modern Approach to Healing At Life in Balance, we combine Shockwave Therapy with personalized physical therapy, Pilates-based movement, and strength training to help you recover faster and stay stronger. Ready to Try It? Get in touch! Introductory rate and package rates available. Life in Balance Physical Therapy & Pilates Normandy Park, WA 📞 Call: 206-913-8082 💬 Text: 206-939-6319 ✉️ [email protected] Restore balance. Relieve pain. Revive movement. Unbreakable is a health & longevity guide specifically for women, especially focused on perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher, lays out what she calls the “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause” — a cluster of changes many women experience (muscle loss, joint pain, bone weakening, reduced mobility) that, if unaddressed, lead to risks like osteoporosis, frailty, and loss of independence.
The book is structured around four main pillars: exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, ands supplements. Each is backed by science and clinical experience. It also includes tools like a 6-week exercise plan, baseline blood & mobility tests, recipes, and an “Unbreakable Score” that you can use to assess your current musculoskeletal health. Dr. Wright emphasizes that aging doesn’t have to mean becoming fragile; with the right combination of habits she argues it’s possible to build strength, preserve mobility, reduce inflammation, and maintain independence well into later years. 5 Key Actionable Takeaways
The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve X, is the longest nerve in your body’s autonomic nervous system. It originates from the brainstem and extends all the way down to the abdomen, weaving through organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. As part of the parasympathetic system, it plays a key role in the body’s rest, digest, and repair functions—helping regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion, and even aspects of speech, immune response, and inflammation.
A Communication Superhighway for Health The vagus nerve connects the brain and body in both directions—reporting on bodily states (via sensory fibers) and delivering calming, restorative signals (via motor fibers). It’s a central player in the gut–brain axis, supporting emotional well-being and physical health alike via:
Supporting Your Vagus Nerve Naturally Here are proven, easy-to-implement practices:
Dry needling is a treatment where a licensed provider inserts very thin, sterile needles into muscles, tendons, or near nerves. The goal is to relieve pain, reduce tension, and help your body heal naturally.
Dry needling helps your body in several ways: 🧠 Resets the Nervous System
💪 Relaxes Tight Muscles
💉 Boosts Circulation and Healing
⚖️ Balances the Body’s Stress Response
🎾 In Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) dry needling can:
🦵 In Knee Osteoarthritis dry needling may:
What to Expect
Is It Safe? Yes! Dry needling is generally safe and well-tolerated. Possible side effects include:
When to Consider Dry Needling
MAGNESIUM
💪 Muscle Function & Recovery: Regulates muscle contraction and relaxation; helps prevent cramps, spasms, and post-exercise soreness. 🦴 Bone Strength & Mineralization: Roughly 60% of body magnesium is stored in bone; supports calcium absorption and bone density. 🧠 Nervous System & Mood Support: Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, supports neurotransmitter balance, and promotes restful sleep. 🔋 Energy Production (ATP): Acts as a cofactor in over 600 enzymatic reactions, including those that generate and use energy in cells. 🛡️ Stress & Hormone Regulation: Helps buffer the body’s stress response (cortisol), supports adrenal function, and is important for insulin sensitivity. ⚡ Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health: Supports normal heart rhythm, blood pressure regulation, and glucose metabolism. Deficiency can impair performance, recovery, & increase injury risk. RDA: 310–420 mg/day F-DOSE: 400–800 mg/day (glycinate or citrate preferred) FOODS: pumpkin seeds (1 oz = ~156 mg), almonds (1 oz = ~77 mg), spinach (½ cup cooked = ~78mg), black beans (½ cup = ~60 mg), dark chocolate (1 oz = ~65 mg)… *** There are more than 8 forms of magnesium, and each have different roles in the body. Magnesium Glycinate – Calming, Sleep, Mood (Highly absorbable; gentle on the stomach) Magnesium Citrate – Digestion, Bowel Regularity, Absorption (Supports mild constipation; good general use) Magnesium Malate – Energy, Muscle Pain, Fibromyalgia (Involved in ATP production; often used for fatigue) Magnesium Taurate – Heart, Blood Pressure, Calm (Bound to taurine; supports cardiovascular and nervous systems) Magnesium Threonate – Memory, Focus, Brain. (Crosses the blood-brain barrier) Magnesium Oxide – Laxative, Indigestion, Cheap. (Low absorption; mainly for constipation) Magnesium Sulfate – Detox, Muscle Soak, Relaxation. (Used in Epsom salt baths) Magnesium Chloride – Skin, Sleep, Absorption (Used topically and orally; supports cellular magnesium levels) Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. What We Eat in America, NHANES 2013–2016. OMEGA-3 (EPA/DHA)
🛡️ Anti-inflammatory Support: Reduces systemic inflammation by modulating cytokines and prostaglandins—key in managing joint pain, tendonitis, and chronic inflammatory conditions. 💪 Muscle Preservation & Recovery: Helps reduce muscle breakdown, enhances recovery after exercise, and supports muscle protein synthesis, especially in aging or injury. 🦴 Bone & Joint Health: Improves calcium absorption, supports cartilage integrity, and may reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. 🧠 Cognitive & Mood Function: Supports brain cell membrane structure and neurotransmission. Shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. ❤️ Cardiovascular Health: Lowers triglycerides, supports healthy blood pressure, reduces clotting, and improves overall heart rhythm stability. 🧬 Cell Membrane Integrity: Provides fluidity and stability to cell membranes, enhancing nutrient transport and cellular communication. Omega-3s protect joints, preserve muscle tissue, & promote faster recovery by controlling inflammation & enhancing metabolic repair processes—making them essential for both injury prevention & performance optimization. RDA: Not established or EPA/DHA F-DOSE: 2–4 grams/day (EPA+DHA, 50/50 ratio) FOODS: wild salmon (3oz= ~1,200–1,800 mg EPA/DHA), sardines (2 fish= ~1,000 mg EPA/DHA), chia seeds (1oz= ~5,000 mg ALA), flaxseeds, ground (1 tbsp = ~2,400 mg ALA), walnuts (1 oz=~2,500 mg ALA)… VITAMIN E
🛡️ Antioxidant Protection: Neutralizes free radicals and protects cell membranes from oxidative stress, especially in muscles, joints, and cardiovascular tissue. 💪 Muscle Recovery: Reduces exercise-induced oxidative damage and supports faster muscle recovery after physical activity. 🧠 Neurological & Cognitive Support: Helps maintain nervous system function; associated with reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. ❤️ Cardiovascular Health: Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol, supports blood vessel health, and may reduce risk of atherosclerosis. 🦠 Immune Function: Enhances T-cell function and supports the body's defense against infections—particularly in older adults. 🧬 Skin & Tissue Repair: Supports skin healing, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration in wounds or sun damage. Vitamin E protects musculoskeletal tissues from oxidative stress, reduces inflammation, & supports muscle recovery—making it beneficial for both active individuals & those managing chronic joint or muscle issues. RDA: 15mg/day F-DOSE: 67-268 mg/day FOODS: wheat germ oil (1tbsp= 20mg), sunflower seeds (1oz = ~7.4mg), almonds (1oz=7.3mg), hazelnuts (1 oz=4.3mg)… Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. What We Eat in America, NHANES 2013–2016. VITAMIN D
🦴 Bone Density & Mineralization: Enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption, promoting strong bones and reducing risk of fractures, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. 💪 Muscle Strength & Performance: Supports muscle contraction, coordination, and recovery. Deficiency is linked to weakness, falls, and impaired athletic performance. 🛡️ Immune Regulation: Modulates both innate and adaptive immunity—improving defense against infections and reducing chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. 🧠 Mood & Cognitive Health: Supports neurotransmitter balance; low levels are linked to depression, seasonal affective disorder, and cognitive decline. ❤️ Cardiometabolic Health: Plays a role in regulating insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and inflammation—impacting diabetes and heart disease risk. 🔬 Cell Differentiation & Repair: Influences gene expression and supports cellular repair mechanisms essential for tissue integrity and healing. Vitamin D strengthens bones, enhances muscle performance, & reduces injury risk—making it critical for maintaining an active, resilient musculoskeletal system across the lifespan. RDA: 600IU – 4,000IU/DAY F-DOSE: 2,000 – 5,000IU/DAY FOODS: cod liver oil (1tsp = 400-1,000IU), sockeye salmon (3oz = 500-700IU), mackerel (~400IU)… SUNLIGHT: When UVB rays hit your skin (with no sunscreen), they convert 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is then activated by the liver & kidneys. Sunlight is a powerful & natural way to boost vitamin D, but many people don’t get enough due to lifestyle, geography, or skin tone—making food & supplementation important for maintaining optimal levels. At your first visit we will perform a full evaluation including your history, functional capacity, and measurements. We will also talk about recommendations and plan of care requirements to make sure we can deliver something that works with your schedule and will meet your goals. If decongestive therapy is indicated, you will attend frequently (5x a week in most cases). Sessions will focus on lymphatic drainage, compression wrapping, and exercise with the goal of volume reduction. In other words, we will work hard together as a team to make your arm or leg smaller! After we have achieved enough reduction-we will get you set up with compression garments so you can maintain your results. At the end of your plan of care, you should feel confident in maintenance techniques and general self-management.  Example of a compression wrap on the arm.  Private, comfortable spaces for MLD. |
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