Heel Pain Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Heel Pain

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Pain can come from the heel fat pad, the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel, an irritated nerve, or stiffness in the rearfoot. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we find the cause first, then use Mulligan rearfoot mobilization, heel taping and a loading program matched to it.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of heel pain

A bruised feeling in the center of the heel
Pain at the back of the heel where shoes rub
Pain under the heel on hard floors
Burning or tingling on the inside of the heel
Heel pain that hasn't improved with plantar fasciitis treatment

What causes it

Thinning of the heel fat pad with age, hard floors, unsupportive shoes, sudden increases in walking or running and rearfoot stiffness are common contributors.

How we examine it

We check where exactly the heel hurts, test the plantar fascia, Achilles, fat pad and nerves, and screen for stress fractures. We test rearfoot glides and taping during walking.

Mulligan techniques we use

Subtalar MWM. A gentle glide of the heel bone while you move the foot.
Heel and fat pad taping. Tape that cushions and supports the heel.
Pain Release Phenomenon (PRP). For heel pain lasting more than six weeks. Pain Release Phenomenon, not platelet rich plasma.
Footwear and cushioning advice. Heel cups and shoe changes.

What the research says

Subtalar MWM and Mulligan taping have been studied in plantar heel pain. For other causes of heel pain, evidence centers on loading, cushioning and footwear, and we use Mulligan techniques when they clearly ease walking pain.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy, taping, footwear and cushioning, calf and foot loading and gradual return to activity.

How long recovery takes

Most heel pain improves over 6 to 12 weeks.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Pain when squeezing the heel from both sides (possible stress fracture)
Heel pain in a child or teen that keeps returning: see a doctor
Numbness or burning in the foot
Heel pain with fever, redness or swelling
Heel pain with diabetes and a wound or skin change

Heel pain treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Is all heel pain plantar fasciitis?

No. The fat pad, Achilles tendon, nerves and stress fractures can all cause heel pain.

Why does my heel feel bruised?

Often the heel fat pad has thinned or been overloaded. Cushioning and taping can help.

Do heel cups help?

For fat pad pain, they often do.

When should I get an X-ray?

If you have pain squeezing the heel, or pain after a fall or jump.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.