Simply put, orthotics are supportive devices that are inserted into a person's footwear. However, all orthotics are not created equal. There are many different kinds of orthotics, most of which in my professional opinion, aren't very good. The particular orthotics that I endorse and provide my clientele with are the Foot Levelers brand of custom orthotics, also known as spinal pelvic stabilizers. Every person's feet, structure, and gait, are unique and should be treated as such. Foot Levelers understands that, and that's why each pair of their stabilizing orthotics is constructed specifically for each individual client. I have been associated with Foot Levelers for over twenty years now because of how effective their products continue to be. Foot Levelers is the world's leading provider of individually designed stabilizing custom orthotics, custom orthotic Flip-Flops, Shoethotics, Sandalthotics, and other therapeutic products. These are some of the distinguishing features that set Foot Levelers apart from the others: • The only custom orthotics that support all 3 arches of the feet • Custom orthotics that are both firm (supportive) and flexible (allow for normal movements) • Custom orthotics that have been validated by scientific research • Unique patented materials and technologies • Specifically designing and handcrafting every product • A company founded by healthcare practitioners who appreciate the holistic perspective • Now 70 years in business • Products that are made in the U.S.A. Since the feet are the foundation of the body, the structural integrity of the entire musculo- skeletal system begins there. If the feet are not structurally sound, the rest of the body won't be either. The body is a kinetic chain in which the various segments overlap and are linked through specifically arranged joints, constituting a complex structural and biomechanical unit. The kinetic chain is a system in itself whereby structure and movement at one joint can affect structure and movement at another joint. So it's clear to see how important and beneficial it is to correct imbalances in our feet. An orthotic that is correctly made will support all of the bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the foot, thereby maintaining the integrity of the plantar vault (the strong, supportive plantar structure formed by the 3 interconnecting arches of the foot). The plantar vault properly distributes the weight of the entire body. In addition to providing ample support, a good quality orthotic must also be flexible to allow for normal movement of the body. There's a very common misconception that I have encountered numerous times over the years: that orthotics have to be hard in order to be effective. Not only is this untrue, but it can also be very harmful. Orthotics that are too hard will oppose the normal movements of the body and the appropriate responses of the feet, in any given situation. This in turn will create and/or increase musculo-skeletal tensions and other physiological dysfunctions, especially within the nervous and circulatory systems. Besides being too hard, poorly made orthotics can have other issues as well, such as: • Supporting only 1 arch (medial longitudinal) instead of all 3 • Over-correcting the 1 arch they do support (medial longitudinal) • Not providing enough custom support for the three primary phases of the gait cycle (heel strike, mid-stance, toe-off) • Being made with just a basic cushion to try and address the symptoms, rather than the underlying cause of the problems • Only offering generic solutions for foot conditions and musculo-skeletal disorders, even though each individual should be treated specifically, based on their own unique circumstances

BENEFITS OF FOOT LEVELERS

CUSTOM ORTHOTICS

Wearing Foot Levelers custom orthotics is an invaluable therapy for the human body. Simply by inserting their supportive devices into your footwear, many significant benefits can be gained, such as: 1. Improving and Enhancing the Structural Integrity of the Entire Body 2. Encouraging the Normal Movements of the Body 3. Adequately Supporting the Three Primary Phases of the Gait Cycle (With Their Patented Gait Cycle System Technology) 4. Helping the Body to Better Fight Against the Opposing Forces of Gravity 5. Increasing the Body's Efficiency, Energy, and Performance 6. Contributing to the Elimination of Pain Symptoms 7. Strengthening the Body's Physiological Functioning 8. Helping the Body to Retain the Effects of Successful Health Care Treatments 9. Promoting Total Body Wellness