Category Archives: Guest Perspective
November 2021
Building The Orthotics and Prosthetics Workforce of Tomorrow
The O&P Global project: research, investigation and consultation. The foundation for an international body to support national-level regulation of orthotist/prosthetists. The global demand for orthotic/prosthetic (O&P) services is set to double by 2050.
By Leigh Clarke, M.PH, B.PO (hons), c-OP AOPA; Emily Ridgewell, PhD, B.PO (hons), c-OP AOPA; Sarah Anderson, PhD, B.PO (hons), c-OP AOPA; and Michael P Dillon, PhD, B.PO (hons), c-OP AOPA Continue reading
October 2021
Is Weight Loss or Physical Activity More Important for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes?
Ever since the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) multicenter trial was completed nearly 2 decades ago,1 we have known that it is possible to prevent, or at least delay, prediabetes (an insulin resistant state) from progressing into full-blown type 2 diabetes. Why? In the study, diabetes risk was reduced by 58% in the…
By Sheri Colberg, PhD Continue reading
September 2021
Better Than Aging Gracefully Is Aging Flexibly Through Feet & Ankles
The question is, where does it all begin? Our body’s biomechanical function starts at the foot level and as we age, if ignored, this relationship typically takes a turn for the worst. Foot and ankle training is perhaps the single most neglected component of strength and performance, especially in older adults.
By Philip J Stotter, CEP Continue reading
August 2021
Insoles to Mazimize Proprioception, Part I
The whole concept of minimal shoes is to give the runner an experience similar to what they would get if they were actually barefoot. A primary goal is to get the athletes in the least amount of shoe that is safe for them today and gradually reduce the shoe as the foot strengthens.
By Mark Cucuzella, MD, FAAFP Continue reading
June 2021
French Open’s Treatment of Osaka Exposes Long-Buried Bias in Sport
Naomi Osaka, 23, a no. 2 ranked woman tennis player is taking professional sports and athletes higher. Leading up to the French Open, Osaka declined to participate in mandatory press conferences to preserve her mental health. Osaka stated, “I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media…
By Valerie Rein, PhD Continue reading
May 2021
O&P’s Need for Differentiation
Although orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) is a small part of healthcare, it provides critical clinical services for millions of Americans living with limb loss and limb impairment. Unfortunately, because of the way O&P services are reimbursed, O&P providers are often not compensated for all care provided to patients. Continue reading
May 2021
Ode to Movement and Happy Feet
Life is about movement. Everything in the universe moves. Trees move and mighty mountains move. The stars in the universe and the planet we live on move. This summer, the Olympic Games of last year are moving on again. Olympians will move their bodies to “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – Faster, Higher, Stronger – the Olympic motto. Continue reading
October 2020
Secrets of Speed: Seven Smart Steps to Getting Faster
Athletes in all sports are constantly looking for an edge. Often, the focus is on increasing speed. The importance of high-intensity training cannot be underestimated, but there are prerequisites. These are part of the MAF Method, allowing athletes to develop a lasting individualized plan to improve fitness — including speed — while also maintaining optimum health.
By Phil Maffetone, DC
September 2020
The Dirty Truth About Being Biped
What bears don’t know didactically about forces, shock, and kinetic chain, they understand naturally, instinctually, and it is evidenced by the way they move. Bears can stand on two legs, play, pose, and walk as bipeds do, but when it comes to motion involving speed, safety, or…
By Jay Segel, DPM; Sally Crawford, MS; Grace Juriel; and Jason Kraus Continue reading
August 2020
Why Use Exercise
It’s been a tough few weeks for exercise in healthcare, both on social media and in the literature. A recent systematic review1 has shown it provides little to no benefit for acute low back pain. Then a popular blogger called it ‘snake oil’ and a ‘dirty word.’2 And finally, a discussion on twitter questioned my favorite slogan of ‘you can’t go wrong getting strong.’
By Adam Meakins, BSc (Hons), Physiotherapy Continue reading
August 2020
What If We Adopted PPE as a Mindset for Ankle Protection?
Workplace safety, the right to be safe in your workplace and while going about the activities of your work, was certainly a thing before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. However, the pandemic laid bare some of the realities of the workplace that so many of us never even thought about. I’m talking, of course, about Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE.
By Craig J. Hubbard, Inventor/Designer Continue reading
July 2020
COVID-19, Athletic Trainers, and Social Determinants of Health
COVID-19 has created a unique situation where demand for traditional athletic training services for those in athletic endeavors has decreased. At the same time, the need for best practices in interprofessional collaboration, upstream primary care triage, and return to activity guidance amidst a healthcare crisis are in high demand. Innovation and redefining of historical practices are creating new opportunities for the…
By David Gallegos, MA, ATC, Cert. MDT Continue reading
June 2020
The Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Humanitarian Efforts: A Crisis Within a Crisis
The sun is rising as a mass of people gather outside the Landmark Hotel in Amman, Jordan. It is the first day of the Atlantic Humanitarian Relief (AHR) October 2018 Medical Mission. One hundred volunteers from 15 different countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden…
By Windy Cole, DPM Continue reading
