October is an especially exciting time in Florida because the weather finally begins to cool and the fall holidays begin.The beginning of fall means they will soon be decorating, cooking, and gathering with friends and family for the holidays. The best part is when we have the occasional cold front that allows us to socialize outside, comfortably and safely. Orthotics can improve your balance especially when combined with manual therapy.
Most of our patients have expressed their excitement as they are able to be more active with the younger members of their family this holiday season. Are you prepared to trick or treat this year? Are you ready to walk 1-2 miles trick or treating on Hallows Eve or are you currently limited to passing out candy from your couch?
Whether your goal is to walk the neighborhood with the kids/grandkids or just to make it to the end of the driveway to pass out candy, orthotics can help you remain active while maintaining your results from manual physical therapy.
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are a prescription medical device specialized to fit your feet and improve specific medical issues. Those experiencing foot pain or discomfort may turn to shoe inserts found in the local drug store. Custom orthotics are different.
Shoe inserts are designed to add generic cushion or support to shoes and are not custom fitted to correct the buyer’s specific medical concern. Foot Levelers offer a custom fitted shoe insert that addresses specific medical conditions and are designed to help you maintain your body’s newly found symmetry.
Orthotics address specific biomechanical issues due to the way you stand, walk or run. They can help you trick or treat (walk) farther with less pain. They also help with medical conditions such as diabetic foot pain, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, SI Joint Dysfunction, high arches and flat feet. Orthotics have also been shown to reduce foot, leg and back pain. They also play a part in preventing falls.
How do Orthotics Prevent Falls?
Orthotics prevent falls by improving balance within your feet which are considered the foundation of your body. If your foundation is aligned and well balanced, the rest of your body is more stable.
According to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, foot orthoses can affect improvement in balance measures for older adults
Article here. Orthotics do this by promoting symmetry in your body, and distributing weight within the foot, restoring balance.
Manual therapy is a way to treat the body holistically and not many know that neck pain usually correlates with the feet. Correcting issues with the feet can bring relief to the neck and shoulders by creating balance within the whole body.
Restored balance helps the body remain stable when standing, walking and running, resulting in less pain. Balance is important for the weight of your upper body to transfer efficiently from one leg to the other with the help of the SI Joint (Learn more Here).
So, Why is Symmetry Important?
Symmetry is your fountain of youth. Once your therapist achieves symmetry, orthotics help maintain the alignment and reduce stress by evenly distributing weight as you walk. The ultimate goal is to reduce pain while walking, sitting and standing so as to not disturb the symmetry your therapist has worked on your body to achieve.
You must achieve symmetry between your right and left side of your body in order for it to function without pain. Your therapist will release muscles in your body, strategically, in a way that allows your muscles to move correctly. This allows them to work the way they are supposed to, with less pain. Maintaining symmetry is the key to Joann’s method of Manual Physical Therapy that reduces your body’s alarm system(pain).
Once symmetry is achieved, orthotics, along with Pillowise Pillows (our favorite), are used to maintain your success from manual therapy treatment. You can remain active without fear of the pain coming back. This is especially important if your sleeping patterns are causing your dysfunction in the first place.
We recommend maintenance products like custom orthotics and custom pillows along with monthly tune-ups to help you keep your pain free status. Think of the regular maintenance schedule for your car, you have to change the oil BEFORE the engine breaks down.
You made a life changing decision to work towards getting your body in alignment to eliminate pain. Once this symmetry is achieved, regular maintenance keeps you from getting back to the condition you were in before you decided to get treatment.
Orthotics Break-in schedule:
|
DAY |
HOW LONG TO WEAR (HOURS) |
|---|---|
|
1-3 |
2 |
|
4 |
3 |
|
5 |
4 |
|
6 |
6 |
|
7 |
8 |
How Long do They Last?
Once broken in, your orthotics will last for years to come. However, your needs may change as time goes on. It is always important to get regular check ups with a physician or physical therapist as your condition improves. They may prescribe a new custom orthotic that fits better in relation to your changing needs.
How do I Use Orthotics?
To maintain your progress, you’ll want to use your orthotics in the shoes that you use when engaging in activities such as walking, running, biking, golf, tennis etc. This technology is amazing for prolonging the amount of time you can go between tune-up sessions.
Please note, though they will help you feel better in many aspects, your orthotics will also highlight any remaining problems. If you have discomfort or pain while wearing them (this can be any part of your body), make a note and report back to your PT. They will be able to correct this problem so your body can tolerate the neutral position of your orthotics.
In rare cases, orthotics can irritate the skin of the foot when first used. Please alert your PT of any irritation you experience or if redness occurs which does not subside within 20 minutes.
How do I Get Orthotics?
At Manual Physical Therapy, we have a machine that is specifically designed to measure discrepancies with your foot structure and assist with the correction and maintenance of biomechanical dysfunctions identified in your treatment plan.
The result is a custom fitted orthotic shoe insert for your specific needs. Please refer to the recommended break in schedule above for first time wear. Any discomfort will dissipate as the orthotics are broken in.
Pass the Candy Please
Manual Physical Therapy can get you ready for the festive, fall activities for Halloween 2021 and beyond. Orthotics will keep your focus off pain so you can enjoy silly costumes, spooky decorations, and trick or treating this October.
Are you prepared to walk 1-2 miles on Hallows Eve? Have you missed out on halloween activities due to pain? Make 2021 the last year you sit out on trick or treating with your family.
