Customer Reviews
A Few Suggestions To Get the Most Out of Your ProStretch 
2008-03-25
As there are a lot of people buying this clever little device to address a painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis, I thought I'd throw in my two bits for what it's worth.
First of all, you can use this device to help PREVENT plantar fasciitis. How does that work? Well, risk-factor studies show that if a person can't pull their foot up towards their head sufficiently (a motion called dorsiflexion), then they have an increased risk of getting plantar fasciitis. Since the ProStretch loosens up the muscles that keep you from pulling your foot up, it can increase dorsiflexion and decrease your chances of getting plantar fasciitis. Problem is, how much stretching does one have to do to really do to make the leg muscles more flexible?
Well, according to the book, The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution, which has painstakingly gone through all the randomized controlled trials comparing static calf muscle stretching to no stretching in order to get to the bottom of things, the most efficient way to get the job done is to hold a stretch position for twenty seconds, do it four times daily, three days out of the week (Knight 2001). There are other combinations of hold times and frequencies that will work, but this way is by far the most efficient (if you look at the table in the book, you'll see what I mean). Using these guidelines, you will gain about 6 degrees in 6 weeks. Individuals looking to stretch out their calf muscles and increase their length for other reasons (i.e. running, sports...) will also want to use these guidelines.
The second reason to use the ProStretch when it comes to plantar fasciitis, is to help TREAT and get rid of this painful condition. To my knowledge, there is only one randomized controlled trial that has tested out the effectiveness of doing just calf muscle stretching alone to get rid of plantar fasciitis. It goes something like this:
-one group of volunteers stretched their calf muscles for 3 minutes, three times daily, while another group did five 20-second stretches two times a day (Porter 2002). At follow-up four months later, both groups improved with no differences in any aspect of their outcome.
So it seems that based upon the LIMITED evidence (you gotta go with what you got), calf muscle stretching alone IS an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. Therefore, if you want to use the ProStretch to help treat your plantar fasciitis, I suggest using any of the two stretching guidlelines above. Hope this helps potential buyers.
Excellent product 2008-03-14
This is the same product my chiropractor wanted to sell me to help heal torn tendons in my foot, but at a much reduced price. (Less, even, than they could get it from their supplier.) It's a great product and helps a lot. It's so simple, I wish I had thought to invent it!!! Highly recommended
Great for plantar fascittis 2008-03-06
I was having plantar fasciitis problems and buying every type of shoe insert trying to find something that helped. Nothing really worked until I tried using the prostretch. I don't use it much, but I use it just before going out for a run. It didn't take long and my heal pain and plantar problems are gone. Not sure where my arch went, but now at least I don't have any pain.
Achilles Tendon Stretcher 2008-02-08
Very helpful! I need to keep my Achilles tendon stretched to help with my plantar fasciitis, and this really helps. I was so happy with this I bought a second one so I could have one at home and work.
Best yet for stretching 2008-02-08
I tried a lot of different ways to stretch out the calf and bottom of my foot during physical therapy sessions for my plantar faciitis. Nothing worked better than this for me. I definitly recommend this to anyone that needs a good stretch for their calves and feet.
Awesome. Curing my pain. Never woulda believed it. 2008-06-04
This little doohickey is fantastic. I'm in my 30s and have fabulous shoes I haven't been wearing the past few months because of increasing pain in my left heel. The first few times I used this the pain actually was worse for the day, one time so much I wanted to hop around on one foot, but now it's been a week and I have SIGNIFICANT improvement in my pain. I'm even eyeing my red heels again. A few more weeks and I should be ready to wear them!
Could be dangerous 
2008-06-01
I've seen this product recommended in a running book so decided to give it a try. After first careful use the bottom of my feet are burning and my metatarsals are extremely tender. Now my left Achilles tendon area has a slight rip constantly and is somewhat numb. I didn't go crazy on this and was very careful. This product is not for everyone.
Seems to work a little bit 
2008-05-30
This seems to work a bit, but it's not full relief as I was expecting (and I use it a few times a day- every day).
The perfect calf and foot stretch 2008-04-11
My PT recommended the use of this device for treatment of plantar fasciitis. After just one set of stretches, I can feel a huge difference in my chronically-tight calves, and my arch pain is diminished. I can already see how regular use can help with my condition!
The device also comes with a book illustrating other exercises that can be done, including strengthening the Achilles tendons and stretching the hamstrings, both of which I really need.
The device itself is very sturdy and well-made, much sturdier than it appears in the photo. I was worried that it might not be able to accommodate my short little feet, but it was not a problem at all. Highly recommended for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis or chronically tight calves. Far superior to using a step or strap to try and get into those calf muscles.
Splendiferous 2008-04-08
Though a simple idea, the value of a good stretch across your calf up your leg through your buttocks is an amazing relaxation of some daily tensions.
Surprisingly, the device is not as flimsy as pictured, but a fairly rugged material with a robust feel.
I enjoy owning & using it daily. I have recommended it to friends, whether they still play sports or workout, just for the simple benefit of releasing any pent up energy in their legs muscles.
