Re-Learn to Walk

I was very flat-footed and loved running. My legs were not happy. I had suffered shin pain, calf pain, ankle instability, foot pain. A doctor suggested I get some orthotics, but at $400 a pair I wasn't rushing out to get them.

I tried some cheaper half orthotics which just transferred my weight onto the outside of my foot. This caused more shin pain and a lot of blisters on the arch of my foot. I did persevere with them and they got a little softer but were never comfortable.

A few years ago I attended a workshop on ankle and foot pain. I was only doing it in order to gain some needed continuing education points as a requirement to remain with my myotherapy association. The presenter was a physiotherapist named Phillip Brownrigg. I learned a lot.
He talked sense. He started off by telling us of how he used to make and sell orthotics, lots of them. That was until he realised that they weren't necessary. My thoughts exactly. I always thought it was unnatural for people to be reliant on these things. Now someone who was an expert in that field confirmed it.

Phillip went on to say that people are born knowing how to walk correctly. They just learn to walk incorrectly by watching others (parents, siblings). Incorrect walking results in back, hip, leg, ankle and foot pain. Phillip now teaches people how to walk correctly.

The correct way of walking is as follows:

1) Heel hits the ground
2) Roll along the outside of your foot to the ball of your little toe
3) Roll along the balls of your toes to the ball of the big toe then push off.

Easy as that.

Most of us will be walking on the outside or the inside of our feet which puts unnecessary strain on different parts of our body. Just take a look at the bottom of the shoes you wear the most and see where it is worn out the most. That is where all your weight is going. If your shoes are worn out evenly, then you are walking correctly.

Only a short while later of practising the correct way of walking, I threw out my half orthotics. I have not suffered my normal leg pains. I enjoyed running more.

Years later I am still walking correctly. It's quite natural now. I have even developed a nice little arch in both feet! I advise a lot of clients on how to walk correctly as part of my treatment. Those that listen do feel the benefits.

Tags: Walk, Foot pain, Foot ankle pain, Shin pain, Walking, Orthotics

Join Melbourne’s most exciting cycling event in 2010! This is your unprecedented opportunity to ride on the full length of EastLink whilst raising funds to help Hanover break the cycle of homelessness.

This traffic free experience allows cyclists to ride non-stop using both EastLink carriageways from Ringwood to Frankston and back, including trips through the two 1.6km Melba and Mullum Mullum tunnels. Two completely separate rides will safely cater for both skilled cyclists and those looking for a rare recreational experience to share with family and friends. Safety is our priority.

Challenge riders will enjoy an uninterrupted 75 km course; professionally timed with an ability based structured start and an exclusive team start time. Corporate team and individual riders are welcome – places are strictly limited, so register early. Skill and speed criteria apply.

Recreational riders will enjoy an unmatched, uninterrupted recreational 35 km cycling experience. Individuals, couples, teams, friends and families able to cycle 35 km are all welcome.

Entry is by pre-event registration and payment only – places are limited!

Ringwood is very close to Doncaster East (where Souri’s Myotherapy and Massage is located). Book your massage or myotherapy treatment after your bike ride or for your training.

Tags: sports, Bike, Ringwood, Frankston, Connecteast, Mullum Mullum

Myotherapy treatment and/or Remedial Massage is usually covered under the extras cover of most health insurers. Depending on your cover you can claim some of the costs from your health fund back.

As there are so many different health funds and different levels of extra cover we recommend that you check with your health fund first.

The following health funds accept claims for Myotherapy and/or remedial massage treatments (depending on your cover):

• Australian Unity
• C.B.H.S
• GMF
• Grand United Health
• HBA/ Mutual Community
• HCF
• MBF
• Manchester Unity
• Medibank Private
• N.I.B
• N.R.M.A

Australian Health Management Group - AHM
• Australian Country Health
• Better Health
• Government Employees Health Fund
• Illawarra Health Fund
• Mutual Health

Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG)
• A.C.A Health Benefits Fund
• Cessnock District Health Benefits Fund
• CUA Health (former Credicare)
• Defence Health
• GMHBA
• Health Care Insurance Ltd.
• Health Partners
• HIF WA
• Latrobe Health Services (Federation Health)
• Lysaght Peoplecare
• Mildura District Hospital Fund
• Navy Health Fund
• Phoenix Health Fund
• Queensland Country Health
• Railway & Transport Health Fund
• Reserve Bank Health Society
• St. Luke’s Health
• Teachers Federation
• Health Teachers Union
• Health Transport Health
• United Ancient Order of Druids Friendly Society
• Westfunds

If you have any more questions feel free to give us a call at Souri’s Myotherapy and Massage in Doncaster East, Melbourne, VIC.

Tags: Health Fund, Health Insurance

This vitamin-like antioxidant compound which is present in all cells, is produced naturally in the body. Our bodies also produce free radicals (organic molecules responsible for tissue damage, ageing and possibly some diseases) during normal energy production.

As we get older we produce more of these free radicals. CoQ10 is an antioxidant which prevents cell damage due to free radical activity. We produce less CoQ10 as we age. This imbalance leads to a lot of damage in those whose bodies don’t produce enough of CoQ10 and other antioxidants.
CoQ10 is found in high levels within hard-working body tissues, especially in the heart. The level of CoQ10 becomes very low in people who suffer from heart disease, resulting in less energy for the heart to function normally.

It is not possible to acquire enough CoQ10 from diet alone. So, to increase the amount of antioxidants we need, a daily intake of a supplement is required.

Studies have been carried out on the affects of CoQ10 on:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Gum disease
• Cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Migraines
• Male infertility
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Heart surgery
• Athletic performance

The studies have shown evidence that CoQ10 is effective on some of these conditions but not all benefits have been conclusively proven. Even if taken in high doses, there are no known side effects of CoQ10. Therefore it may be worth taking a daily supplement for those with any of the listed conditions, especially those with heart conditions, and to monitor the results.

It would be a good idea to seek medical advice before taking CoQ10 as certain cholesterol or blood sugar lowering drugs reduce the effects of CoQ10. The body’s response to warfarin and insulin may be changed by CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 is quite expensive compared to most supplements.

Tags: Coenzyme Q10, vitamins