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Spinal Pelvic Stabilisers

Discussion in 'Biomechanics, Sports and Foot orthoses' started by markjohconley, Apr 23, 2012.

  1. markjohconley

    markjohconley Well-Known Member


    Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
    I couldn't find any references in PA, any one familiar with these orthoses?, thanks, mark
     
  2. David Wedemeyer

    David Wedemeyer Well-Known Member

    Mark,

    I am very familiar with them, what is it that you wish to know?
     
  3. markjohconley

    markjohconley Well-Known Member

    Goodaye David, the physiotherapist wants a pt of mine to purchase them. What ORF's do they load on the plantar surface, how do they alter the GRF's? thanks
     
  4. BEN-HUR

    BEN-HUR Well-Known Member

    You are probably aware of them... "Spinal Pelvic Stabilisers" (SPS) are better known as Foot Levelers - a Chiropractic based orthotic company (apparently the biggest orthotic company in the world). Foot Levelers have been discussed on this forum. Foot Levelers like to dish out on Podiatric based orthotic techniques/devices in the lame attempt to aggressively push their "custom made" 'orthotics' & assessment system (assessing arch shape/print) onto Chiropractors (& it would seem now Physios). The SPS innersole is just basically that - an innersole template (based on size - hence probably the "custom" element of the product :confused:) with generic arch cookies stuck on - why?... well these generic arch cookies are used to support the much publicised (yet apparently "neglected") 3 arches of the foot (of which Foot Levelers claim in a promotional CD [issued at Chiro. conferences] that Podiatrists ignore! - amongst other ignorant rubbishing content i.e. blocking the medial column of the foot due to our rigid devices).

    I have had a legal encounter with Foot Levelers (they got in touch with a large Sydney legal firm to try a push their weight around) based on myself expressing a professional/experienced opinion on their product... based on accounts of Foot Leveler patients who have come to me; as well as an encounter in person with the Chiropractor dispensing them (who knew very little of lower limb biomechanics & didn't even understand the significance/use between a R/foot varus wedge & a R/foot valgus wedge in the 'orthotic' samples on his desk).

    David Wedemeyer knows a lot about Foot Levelers & is in a good position to comment being a Chiropractor himself who has looked into the topic carefully. David's experience on this forum & knowledge on lower limb function is a credit to the profession... one of which Foot Levelers should take note of (as well as other Chiropractors).

    Here are a few pictures I've taken of one pair... one of a few Foot Leveler devices due to patients coming into my clinic with unresolved pain...

    [​IMG]
    * Dorsal view - "Spinal Pelvic Stabilisers" circled.

    [​IMG]
    * Plantar view - note "custom made"... based on a foot print assessment!

    [​IMG]
    * Medial aspect.

    Do a search of this forum (albeit the search function isn't that good) on "Foot Levelers"... I know I have submitted at least a post or two on this forum on this topic (so has David). Yet, the above may give you at least some idea on the answers to your questions in post 3... & in relation to your specific patient.

    Discuss the issues with the Physio :drinks (herbal teas remember :rolleyes:).
     
  5. markjohconley

    markjohconley Well-Known Member

    Thanks Matthew, I didn't realise. I'll do that search, all the best, mark
     
  6. David Wedemeyer

    David Wedemeyer Well-Known Member

    Matthew,

    :good:

    Mark I cannot add a whole lot to what Matthew has already posted but I think everyone will find some of their marketing very interesting:

    • Stabilizing Orthotics are individually designed for your unique postural problems
    • Foot Levelers orthotics enhance your body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contribute to your total body wellness.
    • Pronation/Stability Index™: The index reveals the severity of pronation/stability in your feet, ranging from Optimal to Severe. An index of 102, for example, is Moderate pronation/instability. Untreated imbalances of any level may lead to chronic problems throughout your body
    • Pronation occurs when feet roll inwards, placing weight on the inside of the foot. People who pronate may experience an inward rotation of the knee and forward tilting of the pelvis.
    • Supination is a rare occurrence as less than 10 percent of people have the condition and is usually found in people with high arches, often called a "cavus" foot.
    • Provide whole body support
    • Balance the feet
    • Most orthotic companies only support one arch
    • Through independent research and testimonials, Stabilizing Orthotics have proven themselves time and again.

    In truth they are not fully custom and are "designed" from a 2-D scan, their process is proprietary. They give a lot back to the profession and colleges and enjoy the largest market share as a vendor, so the cycle perpetuates. Their research is flimsy and level 4 (and I'm being polite). rather than focusing on condition specific foot orthotic therapy, they focus on ambiguity and "wellness". There are insurers who have adopted a policy that precludes reimbursement for Foot Levelers (Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers) from health insurance benefit plans with DME coverage and categorizes them as "experimental". Lastly they are much more expensive to the practitioner than a good quality mainstream lab.

    Best regards,
     
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