Orthotics as Part of a Wellness Protocol
ORTHOTICS
Alan Smith
DC
I am a firm believer of educating patients so they can make an informed decision. Then, when they purchase something you recommend, it is their choice. They feel empowered, and you never feel as if you are just selling something. I want to educate you on why custom orthotics should be a part of your practice from the very beginning.
In 2017, Americans spent $3.5 trillion on health care.1 Of that, a little under 20%, or $679 billion, was spent in the health and wellness market. This equates to every person in America spending an average of $2,000 a year in the health and wellness market. Sales of orthotics in the United States are a big business, with sales in 2018 totaling $1.36 billion.2
Health and wellness are terms that are often interchanged, but their origins and meanings are different. As established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1940s, health is referred to as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Although this definition has been criticized for being overly inclusive and unattainable, especially as it relates to the word “complete,” it broadens the medical definition of health beyond the simple absence of disease. According to the WHO, the primary determinants of health include the social, economic, and physical environments, as well as the person’s individual characteristics and behaviors. The maintenance and improvement of health, accordingly, depends not only on external or environmental factors but also on the efforts and intelligent lifestyle choices of the person. In fact, it depends on wellness.
You may be surprised by the definition of wellness. Although variously defined depending on context, according to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is considered “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence,” This definition is based on three tenets:
1. Wellness is considered a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential.
2. Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment.
3.Wellness is positive and affirming.
To understand the difference between health and wellness, in short, health is a state of being, whereas wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Health refers to physical, mental, and social well-being; wellness aims to enhance all those aspects. Wellness is an all-encompassing journey and not a fixed destination.
Today’s society yearns for wellness. The very foundation of chiropractic is of a complete wellness mindset. We are the only profession truly grounded in this principle. Most offices offer care plans with three stages. Even though the names may vary, the flow is typically the same. The final stage is when most offices talk about wellness and long-term care. The names of this final stage are typically along the lines of preventative, supportive, or maintenance. The very connotation of these names contradicts what wellness is at its core. Wellness can and should be spoken of continually when interacting with your patients.
What if you told patients that with every step and move they make, they could be helping their physical condition by activating their kinetic chain the way it’s supposed to be? That every step and move they make would be active rehab toward a better posture. That every step and move they make they would be fighting the constant impact of gravity. That every step and move they make can overcome the negative impact their physical repetitive stressors may be, whether caused by work or personal lifestyle.
Adding to this, what if you could tell your patients from the very beginning with complete confidence that with every step and move they make, they could have better balance, fewer injuries, improved strength, quicker healing time, more flexibility, and enhanced performance with a speedier recovery?
After hearing this profound statement, most patients are intrigued, to say the least. Now you can educate them on how that is attainable. Share with them that a goal of the body is to keep your head straight. As we view our surroundings, and more specifically the event hori-
zon, we see straight lines. With that being said, we are typically standing or walking on an evenly balanced flat surface. So, ideally, the feet and head are even, which means something in the middle has to give and will act and react to balance an imbalance.
The feet are the foundation of the body. Negative effects of repetitive stress on the body are something we all encounter. If deemed necessary, custom orthotics allow you to achieve a more proper gait by activating the kinetic chain properly. Even though orthotics are placed in your shoes, they actually influence all of the moving parts in your body. When feet are properly stabilized, the rest of your body moves with greater ease and harmony.
Orthotics really help with posture, so if you are someone who slumps a lot or favors one side over another, wearing orthotics will help correct your posture and movements. In our technological society, being able to assess dysfunction qualitatively and quantitatively is powerful. The Foot Levelers digital foot scanner allows patients to understand the imbalances that they have and the impact it has on their bodies. Over-the-counter insoles may initially cost less, but they only support one arch in the foot. If dysfunction is noted in either of the two remaining arches, this will actually cause more harm than good. The technology allows patients to immediately see their imbalances. You can build on that by educating them about how those imbalances affect their kinetic chain.
I hope this article has empowered you to be able to discuss wellness from day one. Your patients are constantly looking for answers. Once you educate them on how they will be able to consistently activate their kinetic chain with every step and move made, it is easy to embrace how Foot Levelers custom orthotics are an essential part of your wellness plan. Empower yourself and your patients today!
References
1. https ://www. renters, com /article us-usa-heal thcare-spending-idUSKCNlFY2ZD
2. “Foot Orthotic Insoles Market Analysis: By Type (Custom, Prefabricated); By End User (Sports (Running, Court); Medical (Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia, Obesity); Comfort) -With Forecast (2015 -2020) ”
Dr. Alan Smith is an esteemed 2001 graduate of Parker University. Axiom Wellness Center is a family based clinic located in Jacksonville, FL. The five Axioms of health which serve as the clinics focus are Chiropractic, Exercise, Mental Health, Nutrition and Sleep.
