Clinical Assessment at Belgravia Clinic Workshop

At the core of this establishment's philosophy is the belief that a deep understanding of your body's needs is essential for overall wellness. Unlike conventional approaches that merely address symptoms, this clinic delves into identifying and tackling the root causes of discomfort or health issues.

Your Clinical Assessment at Belgravia

Upon entering the clinic, your path towards improved health begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment Belgravia. The experts at the Belgravia Clinic Workshop will meticulously analyze your concerns, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and their extensive expertise. This in-depth evaluation encompasses various aspects, including foot, ankle, knee, hip, and posture.

A Personalized Approach for Your Well-being

One remarkable aspect of this clinic is their unwavering commitment to personalization. During your 90-minute appointment, you will witness clinical assessments tailored explicitly to your unique needs. These assessments are skillfully conducted without the use of traditional molds, ensuring a truly bespoke experience.

The Impact of Clinical Assessments

The benefits of the Clinical Assessment Belgravia Clinic Workshop extend far beyond your initial expectations. Their approach doesn't solely focus on isolated issues; it takes into account your entire body and its interplay with your health. Regardless of your age or lifestyle, the clinical assessments are designed to provide comprehensive insights.

Comprehensive Resources for Informed Choices

In addition to their exceptional services, the clinic offers a treasure trove of resources, including articles, videos, and tutorials. These resources not only provide valuable advice but also debunk common misconceptions about clinical assessments and holistic well-being.

PODO is Your Partner in Wellness

In conclusion, if you're seeking a solution to your health concerns or discomfort, the Clinical Assessment at Belgravia Clinic Workshop stands as your ideal destination. Their expertise in clinical assessments, dedication to personalization, and commitment to patient education set them apart. Bid farewell to nagging aches and pains and take a step toward a healthier, more comfortable life.

In your pursuit of holistic well-being and a healthier, pain-free life, remember that PODO is the driving force behind the Clinical Assessment at Belgravia Clinic Workshop. With PODO's unwavering dedication to understanding your unique health needs, personalized clinical assessments, and a wealth of educational resources, they are your trusted partner on this path to wellness. So, why wait? Take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable life by visiting the Clinical Assessment at Clinic Workshop Belgravia, where PODO is ready to guide you toward a brighter, pain-free future.

Biomechanics Wimbledon Clinic Workshop: The Foundation of Wellness

At the core of this establishment's philosophy is the belief that understanding the biomechanics of your body is the foundation of overall wellness. Unlike conventional approaches, where treatment might solely target symptoms, here, the focus is on identifying and addressing the root causes of discomfort or pain.

Your Personalized Biomechanics Assessment

When you step into the clinic, your journey to improved health begins with a thorough consultation. The experts at the Biomechanics Wimbledon Clinic Workshop will carefully analyze your concerns, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and their extensive expertise in biomechanics. This comprehensive evaluation covers various aspects, including foot, ankle, knee, hip, and even posture.

A Tailored Approach for Your Body

One distinctive feature of this clinic is their commitment to customization. During your 90-minute appointment, you'll have orthotics created specifically for your needs. These orthotics are meticulously crafted from a range of thermo-mouldable materials, matched to your age, lifestyle, and underlying conditions.

The Impact of Sports Orthotics

The benefits of the Biomechanics Wimbledon Clinic Workshop extend beyond just your feet. Their sports orthotics are designed to enhance both comfort and performance, positively influencing your knees, hips, back, and neck. Whether you're an athlete or someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, these orthotics are tailored to your body type and level of physical activity.

Comprehensive Resources for Informed Choices

In addition to their exceptional services, the clinic provides a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and tutorials. These resources not only offer valuable advice but also debunk common misconceptions about biomechanics and orthotics.

Biomechanics Wimbledon Clinic Workshop with PODO

If you're in search of a solution to your body's discomfort or pain, the Biomechanics Wimbledon Clinic Workshop is the place to be. Their expertise in biomechanics, commitment to customization, and dedication to patient education set them apart. Say goodbye to those nagging aches and pains and take a step toward a healthier, more comfortable life.

In your pursuit of better body health and improved mobility, remember that PODO, the pioneering force behind the Clinic Workshop Wimbledon, is here to guide you every step of the way. PODO's unwavering commitment to understanding your unique biomechanical needs, crafting personalized orthotics, and offering a wealth of educational resources makes them the trusted partner on your path to wellness. So, why wait? Expereince a healthier, pain-free life with PODO and the Biomechanics Clinic Workshop Wimbledon. Your body will thank you for it.

Visit the Biomechanics Wimbledon Clinic Workshop at PODO today and experience the difference for yourself!

Clinical Assessment Mayfair: Excellence in Healthcare

Clinical assessment is a cornerstone of effective healthcare practice, and at our Clinic Workshop Mayfair, we recognize the importance of mastering this skill. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or just beginning your healthcare journey, our workshop caters to individuals at all career stages. We understand that the pursuit of clinical excellence is a continuous journey, and our program is designed to meet the diverse needs of healthcare professionals.

Mayfair Clinic Workshop: A Hub of Knowledge and Class

Located amidst the opulence of Mayfair, our clinic workshop offers an enriching and supportive learning environment. Here, you will actively engage with peers, participate in hands-on exercises, and refine your clinical assessment skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. With a curriculum designed to foster growth and expertise, we ensure that every participant leaves our Clinic Workshop Mayfair with enhanced skills and confidence.

Mayfair Clinical Assessment: Excellence Reimagined

Our commitment to excellence sets our Mayfair clinical assessment workshop apart. We strive to provide top-tier training and resources to empower you to excel in the field of clinical assessment. Join us in Mayfair, where clinical excellence is not just a goal but a reality.

In partnership with PODO, our Clinic Workshop Mayfair extends its dedication to education. PODO shares our commitment to equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required for clinical mastery. Together, we provide an unmatched educational experience that supports your professional growth and success.

In summary, if you are searching for a clinical assessment workshop in Mayfair that emphasizes expertise and practical learning, your quest ends here. Join our Clinic Workshop Mayfair to embark on a fulfilling journey toward clinical assessment excellence. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your clinical skills – reserve your spot today and become a valued member of our thriving community of healthcare professionals in Mayfair.

Clinical Assessment Circus: Your Path to Proficiency

Clinical assessment is the bedrock of effective healthcare. At our Clinic Workshop Oxford Circus, healthcare professionals come together to hone their clinical assessment skills. Our experienced instructors bring real-world insights, making your clinical assessment training not only informative but also highly practical.

Oxford Circus Clinic Workshop: Where Knowledge Flourishes

Situated in the heart of Oxford Circus, our clinic workshop provides an ideal backdrop for expanding your clinical assessment capabilities. Here, you'll engage actively with peers, participate in hands-on exercises, and refine your clinical assessment skills in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Oxford Circus Clinical Assessment: Excellence Redefined

Our commitment to excellence sets our Oxford Circus clinical assessment workshop apart. With a comprehensive curriculum and engaging sessions, we empower you to excel in clinical assessment. Join us at Oxford Circus, where clinical excellence is at the forefront.

At PODO, our Clinic Workshop Oxford Circus is dedicated to equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for clinical mastery. PODO's commitment to education aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide top-notch training and resources.

Thriving Healthcare Community with PODO

If you're seeking a clinical assessment workshop at Oxford Circus that prioritizes expertise and practical learning, you've found the ideal destination. Join our Clinic Workshop Oxford Circus for an immersive experience in clinical assessment, supported by the expertise of PODO. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your clinical skills – reserve your spot today and become a part of our thriving community of healthcare professionals in Oxford Circus.

Clinical Assessment Chelsea: Your Gateway to Expertise

Clinical assessment is the cornerstone of accurate diagnoses and effective patient care. At our Clinic Workshop Chelsea professionals and aspiring clinicians gather to enhance their skills in this critical area. Our experienced instructors bring real-world insights, making your clinical assessment journey both informative and practical.

Chelsea Clinic Workshop: Where Knowledge Thrives

Our Clinic Workshop Chelsea venue is strategically located for your convenience. Throughout the clinic workshop, Chelsea's vibrant atmosphere serves as a backdrop to your educational experience. Here, you'll have the opportunity to participate actively, interact with peers, and refine your clinical assessment skills.

Chelsea Clinical Assessment with PODO

Our commitment to excellence sets our clinical assessment workshop in Chelsea apart. With a comprehensive curriculum and engaging sessions, we empower you to excel in the world of clinical assessment. Join us in Chelsea, where clinical excellence takes center stage.

In partnership with PODO, our dedicated clinical assessment workshop in Chelsea is designed to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for excellence in their field. PODO's commitment to education aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide top-notch training and resources.

Join PODO

Join us at our Chelsea Clinic Workshop to embark on a journey towards clinical mastery. With PODO by your side, you are ensured that you're well-equipped to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your clinical expertise – reserve your spot today and become a part of our thriving community of healthcare professionals in Chelsea.

Why looking after your body postpartum (after birth) is essential for both mothers and fathers

Why our bodies are often under more stress after the birth that during the pregnancy and why both mothers and fathers need to pay attention

By Christophe Champs, founder of PODO Clinic and Workshop

The process involved in giving the gift of life is an incredible journey for the human body. We naturally consider the health of the mother while carrying the child and during the birth but, in fact, we should also consider the time after childbirth (known as postnatal or postpartum). The body is still under a lot of stress and will be moving in a way it is probably not used to. And it’s not just mothers who are affected, fathers need to consider the impact on their bodies too.

I have learnt during my years in practice that the two years after childbirth can be more difficult for a woman’s body than the nine months of the pregnancy. I have also seen that during those two years men develop more back and neck pain than at almost any other time. This is generally due to a lack of awareness about the health impacts of their new role as a father.

Therefore, I want to look at this two year period in a little more detail and share with you how some simple changes can prevent those unnecessary aches and pains you will experience during day-to-day activities and / or after standing for long periods.

1) Let people know

The end of the pregnancy journey is quite sudden (although some will disagree when remembering the hours of labour), and it takes time for the body to return to where it was before getting pregnant.

The main difficulty with the postpartum journey is that as soon as you take your ‘badge’ off and your body starts to shrink down, no one would notice that you are not 100% back in shape. This means they no longer feel the same compulsion to look after you. They don’t consider that physically you might not be entirely capable of what you were before. And they are far less likely to give up their seat on public transport.

As Thomas Erikson explained in his book “Surrounded by idiots”, we are just not trained to read others. We all send different signals and understand messages differently because we are all different. Therefore, we misunderstand many people and are misunderstood ourselves. This can lead to a range of ‘bad feelings’ when, in reality, we should probably just work harder on making ourselves understood. So, start by gently reminding your family, friends and colleague that you are not 100% back yet and still need a little extra consideration. Your body needs time to recover and shouldn’t immediately be asked to do everything it was comfortably doing before the pregnancy.

2) Carrying your new baby

Once you have a new baby you’ll have a lot to carry – and not just the baby him/herself, it’s also all the extras, like carry cots and prams etc. Whenever you are lifting something, you should bend your knees, keep your back straight, and then use your legs to power you and whatever you are lifting up to a standing position. That’s in a perfect world.

Of course, we don’t live in such a world and it’s highly unlikely you’ll manage to lift correctly every time, and probably not even most of the time. Nevertheless, do your best to lift correctly and safely as much as you can as it will help protect and strengthen your back. But don’t beat yourself up if it only happens sometimes.

If you feel any pain or your body tells you that you have pulled something or that all is not quite right, do seek help. Don’t ignore it as it will only get worse. The pain may go, but this is usually due to other muscles compensating, and then the injury or imbalance becomes embedded and for a while you may feel better but in the long run you will have done a lot more damage which is much harder to correct.

3) Me time with added benefits

Having ‘me time’ is something wellbeing and parenting experts talk about all the time. And it is important. But, just like correctly lifting your baby, it isn’t always easy to carve out that time for yourself. So here is a suggestion that solves both problems; book in with a health practitioner like an osteopath, chiropractor, massage therapist or biomechanics expert.

Why? We often find it difficult to set aside time for ourselves, but we are usually good at keeping appointments with others. So, if you make an appointment to see someone you’ll find a way to stick to it. Also, it is easier to ask someone to care for your baby for an hour if they know you are having a health-related appointment. And by booking in with one of the experts mentioned you not only get an hour that is entirely focused on you, you also get treatment that will help your muscles relax, reset your posture and alignment, and ensure that any aches or pains don’t get worse or turn into something debilitating that will prevent you from giving your baby the care s/he needs.

Looking after your own health can be ‘contagious’ and inspiring to others. Even more so to babies who capture every emotion around them and mirror every move they can.

4) Bad sleep, bad posture, bad back.

It sounds like the chicken and egg scenario, as you don’t know which issue is causing the other. So, I recommend you address them all by starting with whatever bothered you first or is limiting you the most.

Your sleeping issues, your deteriorated posture, and your back pain must all be tackled, and the great news is that they are all connected. So, by addressing one you will impact the others.

How can you deal with sleeping and resting issues?

Having a good night’s sleep - usually eight hours a day - helps the body to heal and reset before the start of a brand-new day. But during the postpartum period, getting eight hours in one go may be close to impossible. So, instead focus on building up eight hours across the 24-hour period. If that is eight one-hour sleeps, then so be it. Keeping your baby close when you sleep, sharing the task of getting up and reminding yourself that things will get better, are all ways to help you grab a few extra minutes of shut-eye.

Beside the quantity of your sleep, you can improve the quality by making sure that pillows and mattress are at their best, and that you lie comfortably and not twisted or bent in a chair.

A bad sleep (too superficial or too little) and poor rest will affect both your standing and sitting postures and stress and fatigue have the ability to manifest as a pain in your back and neck throughout the day. Sleep is not just about banishing tiredness, it will also help your body feel better and give you the strength you need to get through all the tasks of the day.

Interestingly, where the English say, “I am fed up” the French say “J’en ai plein le dos”, essentially expressing the idea that we have everything on our back and cannot take any more!

Is there such a thing as good standing and sitting postures when carrying a baby?

Your sitting and standing postures will not be perfect when carrying your baby, but for a good reasons.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL/CORRECT WAY – WHAT ADVICE CAN WE GIVE EVEN IF WE SAY (LIKE THE LIFTING) THAT IT’S UNLIKLEY YOU’LL GET IT RIGHT ALL THE TIME?

When dealing with sportspeople or patients with a handicap, it is quite common to break some rules in Biomechanics. Let’s keep the same open mind during the months of the postpartum.

You might adopt bad sitting and standing positions and get some niggles here and there, but pain is your friend. It is sending you a message. So, check your posture and sitting position and attempt to straighten and balance them. Ask your partner for help as it can sometimes be tricky to see an imbalance yourself.

Although one of our missions at PODO is to educate patients on the importance of having good standing, sitting and sleeping postures, we recommend that during the postpartum period, you let this go a little. Do the best you can but put your focus on stretching, strengthening and conditioning your body to cope with all those bad positions you might take and hold for long periods.

5) Using your body to help your mind

Physical and mental health are connected. The stretching and exercise you do manage to do will not only help your body, it will help your mind too. You can let go of stresses and worries (at least for a time) and focus on dealing with the day’s challenges with renewed vigour. So do your best to include some dedicated exercise/stretching time in your day. There are plenty of online videos to help you workout and stretch WITH your baby, so you can use the time to bond with your baby while also caring for yourself.

6) Your footwear

Finally, look at your shoes. Your body has changed shape during the pregnancy with its weight distribution having shifted. Now postpartum your weight and shape is changing again. Plus, you have all the other pressures on your body, so you need good support – and support for your body starts at your feet. As much as possible wear flat shoes that give good support on the arch and ankle. Slippers, flipflops, and strappy heals won’t do you any favours. Sure, wearing them for a few short hours on a rare evening out, or while at the pool, is fine, but for the rest of the time choose shoes that will help your body.

Opt for ‘walking’ style shoes that provide ankle support, ensure they can be laced up (this gives your foot much more support inside the shoe), and if you can, speak to a biomechanics expert to see if you would benefit from custom-made orthotics. By ensuring your body is balanced and aligned from the foot up, you will be much stronger and better able to cope with all the physical demands a new baby puts on you. This applies to men as much as women. A man’s body may not have changed shape in the same way, but there will be new demands on the muscles, back, neck etc., and therefore the importance of balance and alignment is the same.

Conclusion

We know that a woman who carried a baby has been affected by physical and hormonal changes that require time to settle. In addition, for both parents, the arrival of a baby comes with a loss of sleep and a lack of focus on their own bodies.

During the postpartum period (around two months) and beyond (up to two years), lots of back and neck pain can be prevented. The environment and circumstances are more challenging than ever but, with some help and guidance, you can enjoy the journey and take the worry of how your health will suffer off your list of considerations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christophe Champs is an expert in Biomechanics, and the founder of PODO Clinic and Workshop. Christophe works with clients to help correct postural and biomechanical issues that are causing pain or putting a client at risk of injury. By testing both the moving gait and the still posture Christophe can correct misalignment and asymmetry through creating custom-made orthotics to suit the exact needs of each individual client.

Web: www.podo.london

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podo.london/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podo.london/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodoLondon

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCss43g6-7mcNBwrRnf1zKlw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-champs-podo/

The human body is not a machine, the BIO part of Biomechanics stands for what’s alive and living. The human body has an incredible capacity for adapting and transforming to suit new situations. Yes, there is the genetic, but there is also the epigenetic; which is how your behaviour and environment can change how your genes work.

If you are preparing for a race, training is essential to get you ready, both physically and mentally. We all know that. We also know that we will make mistakes along the way and, hopefully, will learn from those mistakes. This, in turn, will improve our training and our performance in the race.

However, what we don’t want to do is make a mistake or mistakes that lead to injury, as this is likely to take you out of the race altogether. Getting to the start line is at least as important as getting to the finish line. Then, as the whistle blows and the crowd cheers you on, you can enjoy your best performance possible.

The multi-faceted approach to health – or the jigsaw puzzle

There are three vital parts of the injury prevention jigsaw puzzle that must not be forgotten when preparing for a run: your running shoes; your laces; and looking after the health of your feet.

1) Running shoes

When investing in running shoes, watch out for the marketing fairy tales: cushion, drops, and pronation control.

Cushion:

When you walk, you transfer your weight from one foot to both feet, to the other foot, back to both feet and so on. This means that around 80% of your body weight is reasonably well distributed between your feet.

Running is a different story: one foot, no feet, the other foot, you take off again.

So, running comes with two opposing challenges: the landing and its need to be cushioned versus the propulsion which needs elasticity within the shoe sole.

You already have the best cushion: your fat pad! The plantar fat pad, which is located between your heel skin and heel bone, contains fibro-elastic chambers full of fat globules which have the ability to ‘re-plump’ very quickly.

This is the best fat within the human body, yet we all take for granted. If you’re not convinced, ask anyone suffering from a fat pad atrophy (the breakdown or thinning of the fat pads) how much they suffer, even just standing barefoot.

Any foam, even the best marketed, needs much more time to “re-plump” than your fat pad, which is the reason you should never run two days in a row or do your race recovery run with the same pair of trainers.

Every brand has its way of trying to cheat this fact: NIKE and its encapsulated air, ASICS and its Gel, Mizuno and its Wave / folded plastic sheet. They are all trying to mimic the fat pad on your heel.

Other brands will simply drill holes in the soles, lightening the soles, and use cloud-shapes to tell you that it’s like running on cloud (ignoring the law of gravity)! Watch out for these marketing fairy tales. A good support is essential if you intend to land 19,000 times on your feet within four hours, while applying up to three times your body weight.

Good as the fat pad is, it can do with some extra help and protection; you need a strong heel counter in your running shoes and/or a snug heel cup from your orthotics/insoles that will help cradle the heel and prevent this precious fat pad from spreading out.

Next you need to look at propulsion. This is where the cushion under the front fat pad of your foot needs elasticity which gives you better lift and propulsion as your foot pushes off and leaves the ground.

Drop:

The drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot.

There is a fear of developing injuries from wearing technical footwear, and strong movement to go back to our roots. We read of tribes running long distances without shoes and so some manufacturers have started to make running shoes with no drop. These are often termed ‘barefoot’ running shoes.

Reduced drop shoes are good as an introduction to barefoot running or as an alternative in-between product for people who might doubt their usual running shoes. Looking at this with a clinical eye, while a reduced drop lowers the heel and brings the foot closer to a barefoot position, it misses the point that your calves, Achilles, and plantar fascia all work together. Pull one and it affects the other.

Therefore, by reducing the drop, you create an excess of traction in those structures. Plus, less material means less support. A lighter sole is sometimes flimsy, and this can lead the forefoot to spread and the toe box to feel narrow.

Top Tip: If you live in a city with hard roads and pavements everywhere and you wear shoes most of the time, my advice is to avoid this new trend in your training or at least don’t transition into it overnight. Your muscles need time and training to adapt. Ideally get some professional guidance to help you avoid injury when transitioning.

Pronation control:

In the past, some running shoes claimed to be “anti-pronation” but pronation is your best friend! At a knee, ankle, foot and big toe level, this natural movement helps your body to absorb shock.

More recently brands have renamed their technologies “pronation control”. And the public fear of pronation disappeared.

Pronation control can be helpful and even used on top of orthotics treatment in some cases. It often comes in the form of a firmer foam, or a hard piece added on the medial side of your shoe sole. Sometimes this is indicated on the sole, such as the Duomax on the Asics Kayano.

It is essential for anyone providing pronation control to look at the patient’s feet (shape, hard skin location, curly toes, hyper mobility), shin (medial rotation) and knees (bow-leggedness mainly). Pronation control is very personal – it is not a ‘one size fit all’ adjustment.

2) Laces are underrated

Laces are there to ensure a total fusion between your foot and the footwear.

Before looking for the lacing method that suits you best, I recommend that you check that none of the laces or eyelets are broken. This is because, the design of your running shoe - its upper part - has been built to strap your foot to the sole of your shoes, when your laces are tied. If this is damaged in any way, then it cannot do its job properly.

The length of the laces matters too, especially if you have a large shoe size and intend to use the extra eyelets with the runner’s loop lacing method. In stores or online, 46 and 38 size shoes come with the same length lace!

Elastic or not? By elastic, I mean the “pull and go” laces adored by triathletes to save some time on their race, and the laces which look “normal” but actually stretch and allow the upper of the shoe to give. So, although these laces do save time, you will lose some precious support to control the foot pronation and stabilise the foot. My recommendation would be to train with non-elasticated laces, and just use the elastic ones on race day.

3) Foot care: Socks and moisture

Socks, cream, talcum powder… where to start?

I still recommend to clients on a daily basis to visit Decathlon if they want to understand the differences between all the running socks available on the market. Their horizontal merchandising helps you go up and down the range to fit your needs and your budget.

• Socks are not a one-time investment; change them often. One of my ultra-runner patients sacrifices a pair for his longest and toughest race every year, applying the cream directly onto the socks because the skin cannot store the cream for as long.

• Use socks that have elastic support in the instep, arch and ankle. This helps to position them well and reduce rubbing, which in turn helps to prevent blisters.

• Apply cream on the dry and cushioned areas, around the heel and the ball of the foot. Massage the areas where both corns and calluses tend to build up, to improve your skin elasticity.

• Use a specific FOOT cream to nourish and moisturise. The skin under your foot is seven times thicker than your face skin and four times thicker than your body skin so it needs a specialist cream.

• Do NOT apply cream between the toes. Trust me, athletes foot is not the part of the athlete you wish to acquire when you take up running!

• Talcum powder. Use it between your toes and on the sole of the foot between the previously creamed areas. Talcum powder is not designed to dry the skin but to control the perspiration and it leaves a thin protective veil.

• Cut your nails short and square, smooth the lateral corners with a glass file (those come with a thick and smooth edge, allowing you to file any potential nail spur, without damaging the surrounding skin). In case of recurrent black toenails, try both “black toenails” and “heel lock/runner’s loop” lacing methods available on the “patient resources” tab: https://www.podo.london/patient-resources

Finally, if you come back from an injury or wish to start running, build up slowly to increase your mileage: Run to a time, not a distance! Build up your running skills without over-running, dare to walk if needed and listen to any pain.

Running to a time rather than a distance when training also helps you do more than planned, away from the stress of high expectations. Keep track of your runs to motivate you and give you plenty of small wins to celebrate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christophe Champs is an expert in Biomechanics, and the founder of PODO Clinic and Workshop. Christophe works with clients to help correct postural and biomechanical issues that are causing pain or putting a client at risk of injury. By testing both the moving gait and the still posture Christophe can correct misalignment and asymmetry through creating custom-made orthotics to suit the exact needs of each individual client.

Web: www.podo.london

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podo.london/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podo.london/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodoLondon

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCss43g6-7mcNBwrRnf1zKlw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-champs-podo/

Before beginning your search for an expert in Biomechanics on Harley Street, you need to educate yourself on feet and health. The study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg are the focus of this branch of medicine, which is known as podiatry. Expert in Biomechanics are medical doctors or practitioners who have chosen to specialise in the field of feet and health. Biomechanicians are experts who know everything there is to know about how healthy feet can help us stay healthy overall—and as we all know, having healthy feet is key to living life to its fullest potential.

Podiatrists treat a wide variety of foot and lower limb conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Morton's neuroma, flat feet, diabetic foot care, hammertoes, heel pain, plantar warts, infections, arthritis, and many more.

Consult PODO for your body needs

Your feet are connected to your ankles, which are connected to your knees, which are connected to your thighs, which are connected to your hips, which are connected to your back... you get the point. If something is wrong with one of those joints, it can affect the others. For example, if you have flat feet and they're not being supported properly by your shoes or socks, it can lead to back pain! That is why you should consult PODO for proper conservative treatment in Harley Street to give yourself some relief rather than pain.

Facts about Feet

Your feet have 250 bones in them! And they're also covered in skin that can be sensitive or dry. That's why it's so important to make sure they're well taken care of so they don't get hurt or get injured easily.

You use your feet every day without even thinking about it—to walk around everywhere! So if there's something wrong with one part of them—even a small thing like a blister on the bottom of your foot—that can give you trouble later on down the road when you're older and more fragile (and maybe less mobile).

Healthy feet can help prevent other health issues from occurring down the line (like heart disease or diabetes). These conditions can cause serious health problems if left untreated, but with regular visits to your local podiatrist in Harley Street, the risks will be far from reality. Let PODO give you the best biomechanics services in Harley Street.

The physical therapist’s perspective

Do you see a sports medicine doctor when you think of foot, ankle, or knee pain? A podiatrist? Maybe even your family physician? The truth is that many of us don’t seek out someone specifically trained in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. We usually go to whoever’s closest to us—which can be an effective way to get immediate relief but might not give us all of our options. If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, it’s important to have your symptoms evaluated by someone who specialises in treating such conditions. A specialist in foot and ankle care will be able to conduct more extensive diagnostic tests than your primary care doctor can perform.

The general practitioner's perspective

A few years ago, when I was working in an urgent care facility as an emergency medicine physician, I cared for a patient with foot pain who had been referred to us by his general practitioner. The patient had seen his doctor complaining of pain in his left foot and ankle. His doctor had diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis and told him to rest, ice, elevate, compress, stretch—and that was about it. According to my patient’s account of his visit, he heard nothing from his doctor about treating the underlying causes of his pain or how he could prevent further injury; instead, he was sent home with some medications (steroids) but otherwise no real treatment plan or guidance on how to move forward.

The chiropractor's perspective

We’re specialists in ankle problems. Many of our patients come to us with foot and ankle pain that originated from an undiagnosed problem with their foot or ankle. And when that happens, we help them find relief not only in their feet but often all over—in their back, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and more. Plus, our advanced training allows us to treat specific conditions like plantar fasciitis (ankle pain on your bottom), heel spurs (pain along your Achilles tendon) or hammertoes (when your toes bend abnormally). We frequently see patients who’ve been seeing multiple doctors or running around from specialist to specialist trying to get relief; treating specialists is what we do!

The orthopaedic surgeon's perspective

Most people should opt to see a specialist after an ankle injury. An orthopaedic surgeon will examine your foot or ankle to determine whether you have torn ligaments, strained tendons, or injured cartilage. While it's possible that you could have one of these conditions without experiencing any pain (known as being asymptomatic), orthopaedic surgeons are trained to recognise subtle signs that may indicate more serious damage. Specialists can also provide treatment advice based on their evaluation. If you opt not to see a specialist after your ankle injury, you may continue to experience issues with your foot or ankle without realising why.

A podiatrist (foot doctor) is your go-to foot expert

Podiatrists specialise in foot-related injuries, infections, conditions, and other problems. Some podiatrists also treat sports injuries or conditions related to footwear, such as bunions or hammertoes. It’s essential that you get your feet checked out by a podiatrist if you have any foot pain. While it might be tempting to just go to a general practitioner if your feet hurt, they may not be able to help—or they may refer you out immediately because they don’t specialise in foot care. Make sure you don’t neglect an injury that could end up causing more serious problems later down the line.

There are many reasons to see a podiatrist

Proper foot care is important for preventing many different kinds of foot problems. It’s especially important to see a podiatrist if you have diabetes or any other chronic medical condition that may cause complications with your feet. A podiatrist diagnoses conditions related to blood circulation and nerve function, as well as infections such as fungal nails and athlete’s foot. Even cosmetic issues such as hammertoes can be treated by podiatrists. If you experience numbness or pain in your feet, it’s important to seek help from an expert so that you can preserve mobility and prevent future damage. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Podiatrists treat all parts of your feet

Whether it's your heels, arches, toes or ankles—that's right, even if you have what you think is an ankle or heel issue—it can be something as simple as your feet that are causing problems. Call Podiatry Chelsea today to set up an appointment for podiatry in Chelsea for good foot care—we'll talk to you about how you can help prevent foot issues from happening!

There are many causes of foot pain

Bursitis, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy (pinched nerves), and heel spurs, to name just a few. No matter what type of foot pain you have, consult with your local podiatrist. A podiatrist is qualified to treat your symptoms and help you get back on your feet again quickly. By definition, podiatrists are experts in foot disorders; they can tell you whether something is serious or just annoying, what caused it and how to fix it. Their advice will be based on years of training; an M.D. simply can not offer that type of specialised experience and knowledge when dealing with feet.

A podiatrist will perform an exam on your feet

As with any other doctor, it’s important to have your feet checked regularly. During your first visit, a podiatrist will perform an exam on your feet that includes: feeling for lumps or other abnormalities; checking range of motion; counting pulses in each foot; and testing reflexes by tapping your feet with small rubber mallets, according to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. In some cases, an x-ray or MRI might be required for additional diagnosis or analysis. You will also likely get instructions about how to care for your feet at home—so stick around after your appointment so you can ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

Some podiatrists specialise in certain areas

For example, you may come across an ankle or foot surgeon, an orthopaedic doctor who specialises in bones and joints, or a paediatrician who sees children. Other doctors are generalists, treating all parts of your body—even if they’re not directly connected to your feet. All podiatrists help diagnose medical conditions related to feet and ankles, treat injuries that occur in these areas, and counsel patients on how to prevent problems in the future. If you've experienced pain in your feet or ankles for more than six weeks, it’s time to see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you have diabetes, you may need special treatments

Diabetics are at risk for several foot complications, including ulcers, which may require podiatric surgery. Ulcers are sores on your feet caused by damage to your blood vessels or nerves. Some people get ulcers if they have nerve damage from diabetes that makes it harder for them to feel pain in their feet. Some diabetics have foot ulcers as well as neuropathy—the disease’s most common complication. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends you visit your podiatrist at least once a year for foot care, no matter what kind of diabetes you have. If you have diabetes-related nerve damage, you should see your podiatrist more often to make sure that ulcers don’t develop.

Blood pressure readings in your feet indicate overall health

When you go to your doctor, she’ll check your blood pressure in several places: in your arms, legs, and neck. But if you are on medications for high blood pressure (and lots of people are these days), how do you know if they’re effective? Checking your blood pressure in your feet can provide an important measure of what’s going on overall with your heart health. That’s because blood vessels throughout our bodies operate as one system—high blood pressure in one part will impact other parts—so measuring foot-blood pressure is one way to keep tabs on whether or not a drug treatment is working. Another good reason to ask for those special socks that measure foot blood pressure when you go see a new doctor!

A skin check is an important part of any foot checkup.

The skin on your feet is as important as that on any other part of your body. The skin provides an extra barrier for protection, but it's also capable of transmitting both sensations (pain) and microbes (such as athlete's foot). Examine your feet carefully to make sure there are no signs of disease or infection.

If you have foot pain

Whether you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, bunions, or foot pain of another sort, a podiatrist can help. These health care professionals are not only experts on all things feet—they can diagnose your condition and treat it. If your goal is to relieve your foot pain in Los Angeles, you need to find someone who is able to provide relief using multiple treatment options. A podiatrist will make sure that every possible method of diagnosis and treatment is used. This takes time; don’t expect miracles overnight! Patience is necessary with foot problems, but true relief is well worth it in the end. Plantar fasciitis treatments usually require stretching exercises and sometimes even steroid injections or surgery if left untreated.

If you are pre-diabetic

Overweight people are more likely to become pre-diabetic (those with higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough yet to be classified as diabetic). However, you may have blood sugar problems before you’re overweight. That’s why it’s important to get your weight under control now if your blood sugar is starting to climb. The risk of complications—such as heart disease and nerve damage in your feet—goes up dramatically once diabetes is diagnosed. Overweight individuals should make every effort they can to lose weight, not only because of their immediate health risks but also due to their heightened chances of developing diabetes later on.

If you have fallen arches

You may have fallen under arches. While you can easily see your doctor to discuss these concerns, there are ways in which you can correct your situation on your own. Orthotics will help support your feet and prevent further strain. They are cheap and easy to purchase online or at any major drug store in town; they’re typically designed specifically for sports, but if you spend long hours on your feet like many people do, they’ll work just as well! If they aren’t working after some time, it might be time to visit an actual podiatrist to evaluate your condition further.

Podiatry is the branch of medicine dealing with the medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot. Diseases, deformities, disorders, and injuries affecting any part of the foot can be treated by podiatric medicine. Foot problems may affect anyone at any age, but are most commonly seen in individuals over 40 years old. For example, around 80% of people will experience some form of back or foot trouble at some point in their lives.

Because podiatrists are trained in both medicine and surgery, they can treat an array of conditions affecting your feet. They might diagnose you with bunions or hammertoes; they might notice a potential stress fracture or suggest ways you can alleviate foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. And if you have diabetes, it’s likely that your physician will refer you to a podiatrist sooner rather than later.

There are plenty of reasons why you might need to find a podiatrist. Perhaps you’re suffering from corns or blisters on your feet, or perhaps you have ingrown toe nails that need tending. Regardless of what is causing discomfort in your feet, it’s important that you find an excellent podiatrist so that you can get help and treatment as soon as possible.

In order to find one, here are some tips to keep in mind:

When searching for podiatrists, you’ll find plenty of listings. But not all podiatrists are right for you. If at first you don’t feel comfortable with a certain practitioner, or if your instincts say no—you should trust those feelings and move on. Sometimes "no" is just an indication that you need to keep looking, but other times it could mean that another specialist would be better suited. You owe it to yourself to keep looking until you find someone who feels like a great fit.

Check out their education and experience. Don't just look at their website—call their office and ask questions, including: How long have they been in practice? What is their specialty? Are they board-certified? Also ask if they have any professional affiliations with organisations like AAFP or AOA, which indicate that they're members of a national organisation of foot doctors.

Now, we’re not saying you should accept sub-par care from your podiatrist, but keep in mind that there are several reasons it might not be the right fit. First, if you don’t see eye-to-eye with your doctor on foot care and treatment, it’s probably best to look elsewhere. It’s important to feel like your podiatrist listens to and considers you as an individual when developing a treatment plan. If you don’t feel respected or heard, no matter how great they are at making pretty feet, it won't be worth going back again and again.

Barefoot and minimalist footwears are questioned to contribute to metatarsal stress fractures.

We will discuss the precautions to take when wearing those atypical footwears or when running barefoot.

A guenine mainspring : Sports shoes used to reduce your tactile and proprioceptive sensitivities. The range of « anatomical » equipments (Such as right and left socks, Vibram Five Finger shoes…) leads to preserve these sensibilities. Frequently, you first talk about your feeling of discomfort because something changed as soon as the heel of your shoes became lower in your new pair of shoes. Reducing the height of your running shoes heel means reducing the risk of ankle-ligament injuries during excessive Inversion and/or Eversion.

The period between the heel impact and the full foot contact on the ground is called Loading Response. This period is lengthened when the shoe heel is higher.

During this period, your main need is a good foot stability. (During the foot strike your main foot need was to be cushioned.) A poor foot stability needs a better foot control and an optimum reactivity from tendons and muscles.

In short, Barefoot and minimalist shoes tend to reduce the frequency of some chronic injuries. For this reason, this trend can look like a genuine mainspring!

How to start with this new trend ? Running with minimalist shoes need a proper adaptation to keep a safety running gait cycle. Downward force (Body weight) and upward force (Ground reaction) are transfered to ligaments, fasciae and muscles, which are all able to absorb those forces naturally and effectively.

Rigid ground and thin soles of running shoes with few cushioning can cause a certain discomfort when your foot strike the ground on the mid/forefoot.

You will use your muscles and tendons with few protection. Your foot arches will tend to collapse, you must pay attention to the numerous consequences of this phenomenon.

We advise you to reinforced your fibrous skeleton (muscles, fasciae, ligaments) because it is the only one that support you.

It’s only after practicing several weeks and without a proper training that ligament injuries (such as Achille tendinitis, plantar fasciitis,…) can be considered the result of Barefoot/minimalist shoes.

PLease follow our advice bellow or go and meet our partners.

Directions for use :

– By landing on the hind foot when you’re running with minimalist shoes you are over-stretching the fibrous structure going from the back of your knee to the ball of your foot. With time, that can lead to mechanical pathologies affecting calf muscles, Achille tendon, heel bone or plantar fascia.

– By landing on the mid-forefoot when you’re running with minimalist shoes, you feel a stiffness in your calf. A feeling that you need to watch if you want avoid a tear by overuse of the structure described above… Barefoot and minimalist shoes are not a trend but they require a specific trainting and a time of adaptation to avoid injuries.

Metatarsal Stress Fractures :

Throughout our readings about pathologies caused by barefoot running or minimalist shoes, Metatarsal Stress Fractures is by far the most encountered. This footwear trend seems easy to understand. Forces which are transferring to the foot during each step is up to 3 times your body’s weight, the weight is distributed to your front and mid foot and not to your heel anymore, your heel lost its function of support. Landing on the forefoot on 10 km distance is like striking roughly the ground between 7 000 to 10 000 times.

Conclusion :

Before you embark on this new adventure, make sure you: - Have no current injury, even if you are treating it ; - Adopt a well-balanced diet and proper hydratation; - Add exercises to stretch and relief your lower limbs; - Some plyometric exercises could help you to listen and control your entire body. - Start this new "way of run" on a short distance or on a small part of your regular circuit.

Above everything else, let your body take time to “return to natural” !

#barefoot #minimalism #metatarsalstressfractures

To prevent foot pain but remain elegant. I also advise my patients to avoid to wear heels higher than 2 inches. Here are 5 reasons explaining why your heel height should not exceed 2 inches:

First reason :

High heels elongate and define your legs. However, the longer your legs appear the higher your heels are, meaning more of your weight is resting on the ball of your foot. The added pressure leads to calluses or joint pain on the ball of the foot. According to the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons, when wearing 2 inches heels, pressure on forefoot increases of almost 60%.

Second reason :

A grasping reflex occurs when wearing high heels to avoid your foot from slipping in the shoe when walking. With time, your toes struggle to straighten, even when there is no confining shoe. We talk about hammertoes and crossed toes. Your shoes rub your toes together, then corns (a buildup of skin), blisters or cuts develop quickly causing pain.

Grasping reflex

Third reason :

The gait cycle is disturbed with high heels because the higher the heels the shorter and tighter the calve muscles. You are losing your natural elasticity on tendons and several mechanical patholigies appear, such as rupture/tear of medial head of gastrocnemius (Tennis leg), Achille tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis… Without any treatment, this shortening can become permanent.

Forth reason : Your posture changes

Heels higher than 2 inches push the center of gravity in the body forward, taking the hip and spine out of natural alignment. Therefore, high heels may increase the risk of Arthrosis, which is sometimes very painful.

Fifth reason :

According to the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons, the altered posture of walking in high heels places excess force on the inside of the knee (a common site of osteoarthritis among women). One study found that knee joint pressure increased by as much as 26% when a woman wears high heels.

Thanks for contacting us. Christophe

Sources : “Women’s Shoes and Knee osteoarthritis” de Kerrigan DC, Lelas JL et Karvosky ME

#Highheels #ladies #womenshoes #caution

For many parents, the gait of their child when he starts walking or running may appear as a concern if the child has intoeing (if he is « pigeon-toed » !)

Normaly, your child’s feet are supposed to point straight ahead, in the direction of progression when he walks or runs. Sometime, one or both feet can turned inward and lead him to trip and fall over .

There are 3 main causes which can explain an intoe gait :

• A metatarsus adductus incurving the foot

• A torsion inward affecting the tibia bone

• A femoral anteversion affecting the thigh bone

One, two or all these reasons can lead to an intoe gait.

Intoe gait can often correct itself over time.

Up to 7 years old, it is important, if no treatment is undertake, to make sure that a specialist check and record the evolution of your child’s leg development.

If after 6 months of age, your child’s intoeing persists or if the deformity has not been corrected , a treatement such as a night brace or a serie of casts over a period of 3 to 6 weeks may be undertake by your pediatric orthopedist.

Most of time, no treatment is required. But, if intoeing is painful and swollen, your child is limping, or if after the age of 10 years old the disorder doesn’t improve then consider surgery to fix the deformity and correct the gait of your child.

#opinion #ecoliving #sustainability

At birth, your infant gains mobility in their lower and upper limbs, but struggles to support their head. When you carry him/her, their head tilts and needs support to stay straight to avoid discomfort and poor development.

• At 2 months old, infants can begin raising their forearms. They begin gaining control of their head.

• At 5 months old, your infant may begin bearing more weight.

• At 6 months old, your infant can roll and support their own weight, from prone to supine position.

• At 7 months old, infants can sit unsupported.

• At 9 months old, they start to crawl and can stand temporarily, holding on to support (furniture for instance)

• At 1 years old, your toddler starts to walk supported by one hand. Also, he/she can squat with wide base of support.

• At 15 months old, your child can walk, kneel and stand up unaided, he/she can also climb stairs on all fours.

• At 2 years old, they can climb stairs two feet per stair. Then, they start to run and jump.

• At 3 years old, children can run, hop and falls less frequently.

• At 4 years old, they can walk downstairs one foot per step.

• At 5 years old, one may have seen them skipping with both feet.

The milestones mentioned above are just some landmarks for parents to avoid any worries about developmental steps.

According to each child you may have some variations, which are not systematically a developmental issue. If you have any questions or concerns contact a podiatrist for an assessment.

Source: « Introduction to podopaediatrics, 2nd édition », 2001, par Thomson & Volpe

#calluses #corns #pedicur

Heels and metatarsal heads bear most of the pressure from standing and walking. On these parts, corns and calluses (areas of thickened skin) appear in response to prolonged and excess mechanical stresses from ground reaction forces and footwear pressures on your feet. High-heels and narrow-toes increase that phenomenon, as this kind of shoes shifts your body’s weight to the front of your foot leading to intermittent pressure. In addition, those shoes rarely provide enough room for your toes, leading to rubbing and friction.

To reduce or avoid that kind of issues, make sure to :

• Wear shoes that fit you properly (good size with extra width and depth, soft soles, and heels lower than 2 inches)

• Use foot creams and lotions to keep your feet deeply moisturized

• Give yourself or go for massages to stretch your foot muscles and remodel your fat pads

• Ask your podiatrist for an assessment. If necessary, an arch support or an orthotic could provide more support and reduce pressure.