Here at the Institute of Movement, we know that there is no cookie cutter solution to your individual foot care needs. Every person requires a different application to improve function, stability and strength in their feet. That’s why our skilled team of Chiropodists employ many different options when it comes to the treatment of your most critical body part, the feet!

Many times foot conditions and the pain patterns that result from them respond extremely well to Chiropractic care, Active Release Techniques and rehabilitative exercise plans that target the source of your problem. This treatment strategy in combination with rehabilitative devices like Correct Toes and Rehab orthotics from PEAK can provide lasting results which often lead to long term changes without the need for orthopedic devices such as Traditional Orthotics.

Traditional orthotics are rigid devices designed to treat foot pathology diagnosed upon physical examination. They attempt to force the foot into a specific shape and control certain gait patterns.   Orthotics have historically been seen as a last resort to correct poorly functioning feet. While traditional orthotics still have their place for some individuals, they have become less widely used in modern treatment of foot conditions.

As we better understand foot conditions, the application of an appropriately made orthotic, can instead be used in a shorter term capacity in order to rehabilitate, retrain and correct our feet. This is where the REHAB orthotic from PEAK comes into play. Your custom orthotics are designed to help restore normal gait by controlling pronation and encouraging the activation of your extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles. This in combinaiton with the specific rehabilitative exercise program developed by our team here at the Institute of Movement will further support the correction of your foot with every step in the gait cycle.

Rehabilitation devices like  CORRECT TOES are also used to facilitate alignment and healthy movement in your feet. These silicone toe spacers designed by Dr. Ray McClanahan, DPM, reduce the negative effects of conventionally shaped footwear. This device is made of soft, flexible silicone, which encourages the toes back into their natural alignment. With progressive consistent usage during weight bearing activity, the toes align and the feet strengthen. Inevitably, this restores your feet back into their original position and thereby improves overall function. 

Orthotics play a paramount role in the rehabilitation and prevention of many conditions including:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Low back pain
• Gait disturbance due to injury
• Chronic ankle sprains
• Hypermobile or unstable feet
• Overpronation or Oversupination 

If, as a team, you and your Chiropractor decide that orthotics are the best plan of action for correcting your foot condition, here is what to expect:

We begin with a thorough Orthotic assessment appointment. Here, your Chiropractor will perform a full biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to determine the suitability of Orthotics for your condition. 

If orthotics are right for you, a 3D Scan of your feet is taken using state of the art technology from our partners at PEAK orthotics and Structure Sensor. This digital 3D scan provides us with exceptional physcial detail of your feet. We combine this imagery with the clincal findings and diagnosis from your gait analysis and send it off to the PEAK orthotic lab in Courtney, BC for production. Here, all the details are put together using the highest quality products available, and are inevitably fabricated into your 100% custom tailored orthotics. Becasue of our relationship with a local fabricator like PEAK, turnaround time can often occur within as little as 2 weeks.

Once your orthotics are manufactured and are back in the office, we will set a time for you to come and have your new custom orthotics properly fitted to your foot and footwear to ensure their comfort and performance. Remember, if they aren’t perfect right off the bat, we will make it right! We strive for excellence and perfection in our orthotic production. Each pair of custom orthotics is backed with a 2 year manufacturers limited warranty and a 60 day no charge modfication option to ensure that they are correct for you.