ALIGNMENT & FUNCTION or MISALIGNMENT & DYSFUNCTION?

IT IS YOUR CHOICE.

Mia came to the clinic last week for the first time and met with Anita and me. She is a tall woman, in her early 50s, and employed by a financial firm in the city. She’s trim and works out regularly, but her posture leaves a lot to be desired. She does Pilates weekly with a trained professional guiding her.

Mia’s complaint was constant foot and shoulder pain. “I’ve had many falls over the years, my ankles are always turning, and this weather makes it hard to walk. I thought my back was stronger.” Mia is not alone in feeling like that. Snow and ice don’t allow our feet and ankles to work well. A weakness in the back and shoulders shows up quickly under those conditions.

Mia knows that she stands and walks with her ribs sticking out and up. We told her that this reduces lung capacity, causes her pelvis to tilt forward, decreases abdominal strength, and brings pain to her upper back and to her feet. And yes, she wears heels at work.

Her doctors thought that her thoracic scoliosis was the cause of her foot pain and shoulder fatigue. Her podiatrist prescribed orthotics, which helped for a year or two, but now it’s even more painful to stand and walk than before. Scoliosis isn’t the cause. Orthotics are certainly not a solution.

Her misalignment is causing the scoliosis, her flat feet, and her body’s lack of balance. We looked at her pelvis and its forward position and started there. Her butt muscles, used primarily as a cushion, were weak, and her hamstrings and calf muscles were tight, causing her feet to turn out and her arches to flatten. We gave her a series of simple exercises to bring the pelvis to neutral.

“This feels weird”, Mia said as she was trying to walk heel-toe and with her feet parallel. I said “this is natural, what you have been doing is not; it will take a few days before this becomes your normal”. Midway through our work, she was aware that her balance was better and that her feet weren’t hurting as much. It will take a few more sessions, but Mia is on her way to feeling better.

Mia made a choice; you can, too. If your pain is just a nagging ache, come in Tuesday at midday or Thursday evening for a class. The classes will help to restore balance, function, and they will reduce pain. Guaranteed.

If your pain is severe and you want more individualized attention, go to: www.bodyfixmethod.com or call 212.982.2639 and schedule a hands-on appointment with one of our therapists. You will be glad you did.