Blog Week 8 - BRAIN and BODY
Some thoughts that have been occupying the space between my ears for the last week: Orthotics, knee injuries and recognizing our own healing power!
1. Orthotics, the bad and the ugly
There is a great debate going on, but it’s one that maybe you haven’t thought about. The debate I want to talk about is whether orthotics are a good idea for your foot and body health. Just like the great climate change debate, there are people who believe orthotics are good for you- these people are the same people who do NOT believe in climate change. So, now you know where I am going with this lol :)
Your feet are one of the greatest design features of the human body. They are designed as springs to transmit force when we walk. They are meant to move, that is why there are so many bones and ligaments in the foot.
An orthotic takes our beautiful foot and jams it in a piece of cement so it can no longer move. We can still walk, but what happens to these forces that the foot would usually handle? They go elsewhere, and as I am sure other therapists would agree, these forces lead to problems elsewhere.
So, what can you do??
I’ve listed some solutions I prefer below, but of course everyone is different and you should get assessed before making any big life changes.
Work on your feet! There are lots of online videos and therapists like myself who can give you exercises to help work on the muscles of your feet.
Work on the rest of you, foot issues can be coming from the hip!
Wear a soft insole for support instead of the cement stick.
2. Knee surgery; should you or shouldn't you?
You should always weigh all of your options, but surgery is NOT always the way to go. In fact, when it comes to meniscus tears, more often surgery is not the answer. Things like age, level of activity, pro athlete or not may play a factor. Research shows that 9/10 people do not need surgery. In fact, research on both traumatic and degenerative tears shows us that 2 year post surgery or rehab the outcomes are identical.
In my practice I see active individuals get their meniscus repaired surgically and they almost always re-injure that knee within a few years. They either need a second surgery or rehab. Patients who get their meniscus removed or a scope procedure do better and have a faster recovery. People who do rehab have the fastest recovery and the least time lost from activities and work.
The surgeon will sell you surgery. Rehab professionals will sell you rehab. Both work, but the surgery comes with way more risk. What are you wiling to risk when it comes to your health? The choice is yours, but always make sure it is an informed one.
3. Your potential for healing is ENORMOUS! (this related to the previous topic too)
You cannot imagine how good you can feel. You, yes YOU, are the greatest healer of yourself. A great healthcare practitioner can set your body up for success and help guide you to reach your goals.
"if you were able to believe in Santa for 6 to 8 years, you can believe in yourself" (at least for a little bit). So lets get it (“IT” being a better feeling, moving and functioning YOU).
This PSA was inspired by Dr. Timmermans @regenerativeperformance. Give him a follow on instagram. You won't regret it!
Lastly, you are likely sitting down while reading this blog. This week’s video is a hip opener and an invitation for you to stop what you’re doing and get some MOTION LOTION in your hips!! It feels glorious and movement is medicine! FREE REHAB!
Until next week,
Melissa