I am a Podiatrist working in Australia, I have become very interested in learning more about your prescribing technique and the features of your orthotic design. I am finding it really difficult to find information and resources, could you please point me in a direction or perhaps email me any information you have on digital format? I have read Michaud's work and his textbook, but would like some further information.
Kind regards,
Jason (name changed initially for privacy)
Dr Blake's comment:
Dear Jason,
I am unsure of many things regarding your email, so I must start with many questions for you. First of all I am very happy to help you. Biomechanics and orthotic devices are my passion and I still make my own. I base my initial assumptions on biomechanical support on the historical information of what needs to be treated, and the gait evaluation of the patient. Is there a pattern in the walking or running gait that explains how they have injured themselves? Of course, many activities are not so simple, or at least you need a working knowledge of the biomechanics of fencing, ballet, tennis, etc. There are so many subtleties of mechanics and their treatments. Some of these subtleties are important and others not. Can I teach you this? I will try to start the process. You may be actually ahead of me in your knowledge. I will try to make no assumptions. My last attempt at writing biomechanics, besides my blog, was 20 years ago. I was trying to raise my family and be a good father and husband. This part of my life needed to be on the back burner (as a teacher). And, I have learned so much in those 20 years through my successes and failures. So much of what I find important I now need to impart via this blog that I am committed to writing. I hope you will work with me.
So Jason (I will use your real name if you grant me permission), let us begin. I need to know some background information.
- Are we only talking about the Inverted Orthotic Technique with all of its modifications?
- Do you have a lab that makes this device?
- Do you watch patients walk?
- Would you know the difference between mild, moderate, and severe over pronation?
- Would you be able to recognize over supination or lateral instability?
- Can you adjust your orthotics readily in the office?
- Are you afraid to make mistakes (I still make plenty)?
- Do you want to learn about other techniques like the Hannaford?
- Can you or your lab make a great Root Balanced Orthotic Device?
- Can you spend time with your patients for evaluation and dispense?
I think we should stop here. I will await your responses and go forward. Rich I have placed our correspondence under the lab of "International Biomechanics" for ease of cateloging.
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Thank you very much for leaving a comment. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. I can only answer medical questions in a general form. No specific answers can be given. Please consult a podiatrist, therapist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician in your area for specific questions.