EBFA Webinar/Article: It's time to move BEYOND BIOMECHANICS! And into SENSORY STIMULATION.

Barefoot TJ

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Mar 5, 2010
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FROM: Evidence Based Fitness Academy

We love barefoot movement and minimal shoes however how can we combine these two aspects to get EVEN MORE out of human movement and the nervous system - especially when our client is experiencing pain!


It's time to move BEYOND BIOMECHANICS!

And into SENSORY STIMULATION.


***


ADDRESSING FOOT PAIN WITH SENSORY STIMULATION

by Dr. Emily Splichal


I want you to picture a human foot. Now picture a person standing barefoot, and then walking barefoot. Do you see the foot striking the ground and flexing under impact, only to re-stabilize and push off just a few milliseconds later?


Often times when we think of human movement we can't help but to be drawn to the thought of joints moving and muscles contracting. Or in the case of foot function we are quick to consider the mechanics of flat feet, high arches, pronation and supination. However when we delve deeper into the science of human movement there is more than meets the eye.


The Two Sides of Foot Function


When I teach on behalf of EBFA Global or speak to my patients I always
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emphasize that there are two sides to foot function (and dysfunction) - biomechanical and neuromuscular. Now both play and important role in foot function which means that both must be appreciated - however to solely treat foot pain with just one belief system in mind is inherently flawed.


In most Podiatric Medical Schools we are taught foot function and foot pathology solely from a biomechanical perspective. This means that every patient is tested for foot mobility and told to stand statically to determine arch height and foot type. Based on this foot-focused biomechanical assessment and foot classification system the patient cause of injury and treatment protocol is determined. Some of the favorite treatment recommendations include motion-controlled footwear and custom-posted orthotic both of which are prescribed with the hopes of controlling foot-focused biomechanics and thereby reducing their foot pain.


Beyond Biomechanics


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The other side of foot function is one that is driven from a neuromuscular perspective and integrates the science of sensory stimulation and fascial systems. In the case of neuromuscular function every patient would be assessed for sensitivity of plantar mechanoceptors as well as co-activation patterns between the foot and the core. The role of minimal footwear, myofascial releasing, breathing patterns and compensation patterns more proximal would all be considered.


So which is more appropriate? Well it depends. In certain cases there will be a stronger argument towards a more biomechanical influence and in others it is more sensory. This means it really is a marriage between the two approaches that provides the greatest patient outcome.


Click HERE to read this full article!



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