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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Biomechanics: International Exchange (Part 1)

Hello,

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.
  1. Are we only talking about the Inverted Orthotic Technique with all of its modifications?
  2. Do you have a lab that makes this device?
  3. Do you watch patients walk?
  4. Would you know the difference between mild, moderate, and severe over pronation?
  5. Would you be able to recognize over supination or lateral instability?
  6. Can you adjust your orthotics readily in the office?
  7. Are you afraid to make mistakes (I still make plenty)?
  8. Do you want to learn about other techniques like the Hannaford?
  9. Can you or your lab make a great Root Balanced Orthotic Device?
  10. 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.