Current Pedorthics | January-February 2017 | Vol.49, Issue 1 | Page 39

" Foot manipulation therapy is a proven alternative treatment solution , using ‘ handson ’ techniques of joint mobilization , combined with corrective exercises , to fix the cause of foot , heel , ankle , leg , knee , hip and back pain , without the need for surgery or long term medication ."

Illustrations adapted from : @ iStock . com / DrAfter123 ankle benefit from long axis extension .” Explains , Robert Dishman , DC , MA
Acupuncture — the technique believed to flow through pathways ( meridians ) in your body . By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians , practitioners believe it to re-balance your entire system . Acupuncture is said to treat Achilles heel tendonitis , ankle arthritis , ankle bone pain , ankle pains , ankle tendonitis , foot bone pain , foot discomfort & sprains .
“ Acupuncture needles stimulate focused changes in local soft tissue tension by triggering a targeted defensive inflammatory response . This localized response in turn engages the gamma motor system , initiating a global structural reorientation involving focal tonal adjustments at geodetically associated structural points ”, explains Jim Blair of Seattle Acupuncture Associates .
Foot Reflexology & Acupressure — also called zone therapy , is the application of pressure to areas on the feet , hands and ears . The theory is that these areas correspond to systems and organs of the body . Advocates believe that pressure applied to these areas affects the organs and benefits the person ' s health . It is thought that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress .
Several studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health indicate that “ reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms , such as anxiety and depression , and enhance relaxation and sleep . Reflexologists claim that reflexology also can treat a wide variety of medical conditions , such as asthma , diabetes and cancer . However , scientific evidence is lacking to support these claims ”, describes Dr . Brent A . Bauer , MD , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , Minnesota .
One might ask , are these philosophies backed by Science or Pseudoscience ? Kienan Mooney of Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science suggests , that “ If a patient believes in reflexology , then it is possible that they could experience some health benefits from this belief rather than from the actual therapeutic procedure ”.
During the course of a day your feet acquire a lot of tension . The American Podiatric Medical
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