Dr. Lindsay Mercier

Dr. Lindsay Mercier Providing 1:1 physical therapy and movement coaching services.

😡 Unfortunately, I still see and hear clients with complaints of heel pain, being prescribed orthotics as a primary form...
04/13/2026

😡 Unfortunately, I still see and hear clients with complaints of heel pain, being prescribed orthotics as a primary form of treatment.

While research has shown us that short-term relief from symptoms can occur from wearing orthotics, the long-term benefits are not there.

Short-term usage of orthotics has also been linked to weakening of the smaller muscles of the feet.

So, instead of bracing and preventing movement at the foot, lets build strength and mobility. Let’s restore the foot to function for its intended use.

💪🏻 I’m currently working hard on an offer to help resolve chronic heel pain related to plantar fasciitis.

If you struggle with heel pain and have tried traditional treatment methods without success, maybe it’s time for a new approach.

🦶🏻You don’t want to miss out. Comment ‘EMAIL’ and I’ll add you to my email list who get first chance to join/buy!

04/13/2026

👣 Not all ‘heel pain’ is the same…

The abductor hallucis is a small but mighty muscle along the inner arch of your foot that plays a BIG role in foot health.

If you struggle with bunions, plantar fascia pain, or arch pain, this muscle needs your attention. 👀

🔎 What It Does:�✔ Supports your foot arch 🏗️�✔ Helps align your big toe 🦶�✔ Aids in balance & stability ⚖️�✔ Prevents foot pain & dysfunction 🚫

⚠ Weakness in this muscle can lead to:
* Bunions (hallux valgus)
* Plantar fasciitis
* Poor foot control
* Balance issues & toe gripping
*
💪 Strengthen It With These Moves:�✅ Toe spreading – Move your big toe away from the others�✅ Big toe press-downs – Engage the arch while pressing the big toe down�✅ Short foot exercise – Lift the inner arch without curling your toes�✅ Toe yoga – Alternate lifting your big toe & the other toes�
Keeping your abductor hallucis strong = better foot function, less pain, and improved movement! 🏃‍♂️🌟

Footwear choices directly impact our foot function and ultimately contribute to pain. Comment ‘LIST’ and I’ll send you my top shoe recommendations that allow your foot to function the way it was intended👇🏻

04/10/2026

Freedom from heel pain means being able to say yes to what matters most.
“Nini, will you play with me?”�…yeah, that one gets me every time.

Yes, yes, yes, yes. 💛

But when every step hurts?�That “yes” starts to feel a lot heavier.

I was recently working with a client who felt this deeply.�She wanted to be present with her kids—to play, move, just be with them—but her heel pain was calling the shots.

She couldn’t walk without shoes and custom orthotics.�Even around the house.�Even then… she was still in pain.

She had tried everything.�Stretching. Inserts. “Supportive” shoes.

Nothing stuck.

Until we shifted the focus 👇
• Swapped out stiff, narrow shoes for ones that actually let her toes move�• Started small, consistent daily work (nothing overwhelming)�• Began loading her foot instead of just stretching it

And that last one? That’s the missing piece for so many people.
Because chronic heel pain isn’t just a “tight calf” problem.�It’s often a capacity problem.

If your plantar fascia and foot muscles aren’t being trained to handle load…�they’ll keep flaring up—no matter how much you stretch or support them.

Fast forward → she’s moving more freely, playing more, and saying “yes” again without second-guessing every step.
And that’s really the goal.
Not just less pain…�but more life.

If you’re tired of managing your heel pain and ready to actually build a stronger, more capable foot…
Drop a “PFP” in the comments to join the waitlist for the next round of Plantar Fascia Protocol (May 2026)

Let’s get you back to saying yes.

04/07/2026

We are evolving 🐒🦍🧍🏼‍♀️and so is our footwear :)

I love seeing signs of wide-toe-boxes, and even tho a little dude or dudette is missing a shoe, it’s nice to know their big humans appreciated the impact footwear can have on growing feet.

A wide toe box reflects the actual shape of the human foot.

A wide toe box allows toes to splay, foot joints to move, and muscles to engage.

When treating anyone with foot or heel pain, one of the first things we discuss is footwear.

Footwear creates the environment for our foot to operate in. And when that shoe has a restrictive, narrow toe box, it impacts, toe splay, foot joint motion and foot muscle activation.

In other words, narrow toe box footwear, impairs foot function, leading to or contributing to foot pain.

Learn exactly what I suggest my clients wear by commenting ‘LIST’ and I’ll send you my recommendations :)

04/03/2026

They do exist 🦖🦕👣🦶

I’m not sure why people resist the existence of the lateral foot arch.

This is a 5y/o with a naturally developing foot.

For most of us, this shape disappears in adulthood due to a combination of factors including footwear, previous injury, and lack of foot exercise.

To minimize impact of foot mechanics I suggest all my clients wear shoes with a wide toe box to allow full foot function.

To learn exactly what I recommend my clients wear on their feet, comment ‘LIST’ and I’ll send you my curated list 👇🏻

🌷March🌷
03/31/2026

🌷March🌷

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Gilbert, AZ

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