📍 Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic Located in Georgetown, Newcastle
Acupuncture and TCM support for plantar fasciitis and heel pain at On Point Natural Medicine Georgetown Newcastle clinic
Whether your heel pain is new, recurring, or has been lingering for months despite other care, Adrian Taricani offers considered, personalised acupuncture and TCM care in Newcastle that works alongside your GP, podiatrist or physiotherapist — never in place of them.
A Considered Approach
Heel Pain Support Within Your Wider Care
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults, and it can be genuinely wearing — that first step out of bed, standing through a shift, or the walk back to the car after a long day. It often develops gradually, and it frequently sits alongside other factors such as footwear, training load, foot mechanics and general health.
At On Point Natural Medicine in Georgetown, Newcastle, treatment begins with a thorough conversation and assessment rather than assumptions. Adrian takes time to understand how your heel pain behaves across the day, what you’ve already tried, and what your podiatrist, physiotherapist or GP has advised, so that any care provided fits sensibly around it.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is offered here as supportive, complementary care. We are honest about what the current evidence does and does not show, we do not promise outcomes, and we will always encourage appropriate medical assessment where heel or foot pain is persistent, severe or unexplained.
Who We See
Heel & Foot Concerns We Often SupporT
People come to our Newcastle clinic at many different stages — some early on, some after months of managing it. If you’re unsure whether supportive care suits your situation, please get in touch and we’ll talk it through honestly.
First-Step Morning Heel Pain
Sharp or intense discomfort under the heel with the first steps of the morning, or after sitting for a long period.
Pain After Standing or Walking
Heel and arch discomfort that builds through a shift on your feet, or after longer walks and time on hard surfaces.
Running & Training Load
Runners, walkers and gym-goers noticing foot discomfort after changes in distance, intensity, surface or footwear.
Long-Standing or Recurring Heel Pain
Discomfort that has persisted for months, or that settles and then returns, already assessed by a GP or podiatrist.
Calf, Achilles & Arch Tension
Tightness through the calf, Achilles and plantar surface that often accompanies heel pain and affects how you walk.
Alongside Orthotics or Rehab
Supportive care for people already using orthotics, night splints, stretching programs or physiotherapy-led rehabilitation.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Factors That Can Influence Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is rarely about the heel alone. Medical or podiatric assessment is the starting point for identifying what’s driving your symptoms. Alongside that, everyday factors are worth attention — and they’re where supportive care and practical guidance can be most useful.
Footwear, orthotics and hours spent on hard surfaces
Sudden changes in walking, running or training load
Calf, Achilles and lower limb tightness or restriction
Body weight, general health and recovery, as assessed by your GP
Our Philosophy
TCM views the body as an interconnected system. Where foot and heel pain is concerned, the calf, ankle, hip and how you load your body through the day all form part of the picture. We focus on realistic, sustainable adjustments and on being a steady, practical presence while your recovery takes the time it needs.
“Our role is to support you and your treating team — with honesty about what treatment can and can’t do, and care that’s shaped around how you actually use your feet each day.”
Important: Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for medical care and cannot be relied upon to treat plantar fasciitis. Individual responses vary and no outcome can be guaranteed. Please consult your GP or podiatrist about persistent, severe or unexplained heel and foot pain.
How We Can Help
Our TCM Treatments for Heel Pain Support
Adrian draws on several complementary modalities, combined into a plan that fits your presentation, your medical treatment and your goals.
Acupuncture
Fine, single-use needles used as part of a considered treatment plan. Acupuncture is commonly used alongside podiatry and physiotherapy care for foot and heel discomfort, and sessions are adjusted to your comfort and sensitivity.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Where clinically appropriate, individualised herbal formulas may be prescribed. Herbs are reviewed regularly and are not prescribed where they may interact with your current medications without discussion with your treating doctor.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Hands-on techniques through the foot, calf and lower limb aimed at easing physical tension. Many people find sessions a calm, useful addition to their stretching or rehabilitation program.
Dietary & Lifestyle Guidance
Practical, evidence-informed guidance on daily routines, recovery, activity pacing and general health — designed to complement, not replace, advice from your GP, podiatrist or physiotherapist.
What to Expect
Your Treatment Journey
Thorough Assessment
A comprehensive initial consultation covering your health history, how your heel pain behaves, footwear, activity, work demands, and any imaging or advice from your GP or podiatrist to date — building a clear picture before treatment begins.
Personalised Treatment
Your first session combines acupuncture with any complementary therapies suited to your presentation, using pulse diagnosis to guide clinical decisions. Expectations are discussed openly and realistically.
Ongoing Care & Coordination
A tailored plan with clear review points, paced around your work and activity demands. We’re happy to communicate with your GP, podiatrist or physiotherapist with your consent.
Newcastle's Dedicated Clinic
Why Choose Our Newcastle Clinic
Careful, Considered Assessment
Adrian takes time to understand your full history — footwear, workload, training, sleep and daily life — not just the sore heel.
Honest About the Evidence
No promises, no guarantees. You’ll get a clear explanation of what the research supports and what it doesn’t, so you can make an informed choice.
Coordinated With Your Medical Team
We work alongside your GP, podiatrist or physiotherapist and are happy to communicate with them with your consent.
A Calm, Respectful Space
Persistent heel pain is frustrating and tiring. Sessions are unhurried, confidential and free of pressure.
Your Practitioner
Meet Adrian Taricani
With years of clinical experience supporting people throughout Newcastle and the wider Hunter region, Adrian Taricani brings a calm, considered approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine — focused on listening carefully, working alongside your existing healthcare team, and being honest about what care may offer.
He is a registered practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).
Investment in Your Health
Plantar Fasciitis Support Session Pricing — Newcastle
Transparent pricing for your health support. Health fund rebates may be available depending on your individual fund and level of extras cover. Please check with your provider.
Recommended for New Clients
Initial Consultation
Full health, foot and activity history / Pulse and general assessment / First acupuncture treatment / Personalised, realistic plan
For Returning Clients
Standard Consultation
$100/ 45 minutes
Progress review & pulse check / Targeted acupuncture treatment / Soft tissue work through foot and calf / Footwear, loading and self-care guidance
Common Questions
Plantar fasciitis FAQ — Newcastle Clinic
Can acupuncture help plantar fasciitis?
The research in this area is limited and continues to develop. Some studies have looked at acupuncture as an adjunct for heel pain, but the evidence is not conclusive and results vary considerably between individuals. We cannot promise or guarantee any particular outcome. Adrian will discuss what the current evidence does and does not support, and what is realistic for your situation, at your initial consultation.
Should I still see my GP or podiatrist?
Yes. Traditional Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for medical care. Heel and foot pain should be assessed by a GP or podiatrist so that other possible causes — such as stress fracture, nerve involvement or inflammatory conditions — can be identified and managed. Our care is intended to work alongside your treating team, not in place of it.
Does the treatment hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and most people describe the sensation as a dull ache, heaviness or warmth rather than sharp pain. The foot can be a more sensitive area, so needle selection and depth are adjusted accordingly. Please tell Adrian at any point if something feels uncomfortable — treatment is always paced to what you’re comfortable with.
How many sessions might I need?
This varies considerably between individuals and depends on how long symptoms have been present, your activity demands and your wider treatment plan. Adrian will outline a realistic plan after your initial assessment and review it with you regularly, rather than committing you to a fixed course upfront.
Can I keep using my orthotics, splints or exercises?
Yes, and we’d encourage you to continue with what your podiatrist or physiotherapist has prescribed. Supportive care is intended to sit alongside that program. Please bring details of your current footwear, orthotics or rehabilitation exercises to your appointment so everything can be considered together.
Can I claim this on private health insurance?
Some private health funds offer rebates for acupuncture provided by an AHPRA-registered Chinese Medicine practitioner, though cover varies between funds and policies and many funds have reduced natural therapy cover in recent years. Please check directly with your insurer. Receipts with all required details are provided after each session.
Related Pages
Book Your Plantar Fasciitis Consultation in Newcastle
If heel pain is affecting your work, your training or your first steps in the morning, we’re happy to talk through whether supportive care may be appropriate for you. Our Georgetown clinic serves patients from across Newcastle, Mayfield, Waratah, Hamilton, Lambton, New Lambton, Wallsend, Adamstown, Merewether and the wider Hunter region.