As a practicing pediatrician and researcher for over 30 years, I had a passion for understanding the relationship between foot mechanics and general body health. I still remember my professor in biomechanics, saying: "The patient's ability to walk not only affects the overall health of the feet, but also the overall health of the body." At that time, I did not quite understand how the prophet was his statement.
As a function of the foot, called biomechanics, is the main factor determining the general health of the patient. From a technical point of view it is easy to understand. An unstable foundation can cause problems throughout the building. Similarly, an unstable leg (for example, abnormal pronation) can cause problems throughout the body.
For years, I tried to stabilize the mechanics of the legs using auxiliary insoles for the legs. These insoles usually included an arch support with fixing the front feet (wedge). They were very effective in controlling pain in the legs, knees and lower back, but at a very high price. Over the years, it became obvious to me that, supporting my leg, I wasted it. While my patients were wearing foot insoles, their body pain was less. However, their pain quickly returned when the insoles were not worn. It turned out that I used my patients in orthoses!
The link between the legs and musculoskeletal health cannot be exaggerated. However, we recently discovered another important link between the leg and the body: WHY. Our studies show that weak and unstable leg can and often leads to postural distortions (poor posture). And these postural distortions occur in young children. It also became clear that postural distortions are a precursor to the development of chronic pain in the body. A child with a bad position is an adult with chronic pain in the body.
In my striving to abolish and correct these postural distortions, I continued to use insoles such as support. Long-term results were less desirable: these insoles definitely improved posture. However, when the insoles did not wear out, the postural gain was quickly lost. And anxious, in many cases, the situation looked even worse compared to the photos before the therapy. This showed a disturbing link between foot support and weakening of posture.
Obviously, a different approach to therapy is needed!
Proprioceptive foot insoles
Ten years ago, I started using insoles for legs that do not support the type, which included a form of acupressure therapy. These insoles, called proprioceptive insoles, apply tactile stimulation to the lower part of the foot. In theory, this tactile stimulation transmits a signal to the cerebellum (the center of balance of the brain). Acting on this signal, the cerebellum initiates postural correction affecting the entire body. The message shifts from the front, inner position to a more straightforward position. Postural photographs visualize the immediate and far-reaching effect of proprioceptive insoles on the body.
Published studies have confirmed the link between improving posture and reducing / eliminating chronic problems of the musculoskeletal system. While proprioceptive and auxiliary insoles for the legs improve posture, unlike assistive devices such as proprioceptive insoles do not weaken the feet. In fact, many of our patients find that they can use their proprioceptive insoles less and less and continue to maintain their level of health (the process is called engineering).
For a more detailed discussion of my research on proprioceptive stimulation and its use in clinical medicine, visit my website at http: www.rothbartsite.com
