Tonicity Patterns Resulting from Abnormal Foot Motion
In a paper I published in the Italian Journal of Sports Medicine (2005), I described two distinct patterns of muscle compensations resulting from abnormal pronation: bracing and releasing.
This research was part of a series of discoveries that ultimately led to a therapy that, in many cases, permanently eliminates chronic musculoskeletal pain without the use of drugs or surgery. This therapy is called Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy, in which I use a series of tests, proprietary computer analyses, custom designed Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles and ongoing monitoring to address all of the changes in the patients condition and necessary changes in prescriptions, until the chronic muscle and/or joint pain is eliminated.
Using pressure plate analysis, I have statistically identified two distinct tonicity patterns resulting from abnormal foot motion (specifically abnormal pronation resulting from the Primus Metatarsus Supinatus foot type): bracing and releasing.
Bracers are identified by their elevated media pressure and lower surface area readings (i.e., cavus foot, hammertoes). Typically, they wear down the outside edges of their shoes (See Photo 1 below).
Photo 1 - Shoe wear pattern
of a bracer
Releasers are identified by their depressed media pressure and higher surface area readings (i.e., pes planus foot, flaccid toes). Typically, they wear down the inside edges of their shoes (See Photo 2 below).
Photo 2 - Shoe wear pattern
of a releaser
Preliminary data, published in my paper Pressure Plate Analysis of the Medial Column Insole, suggest that:
- the plantar surface of the 1st metatarsal and hallux act like a rheostat, adjusting the tonicity patterns in the postural muscles, foot to jaw. If the loading patterns underneath the hallux and 1st metatarsal are disturbed, a profound rippling effect is triggered up the postural chain resulting in adaptations/changes in postural tonicity.
- afferent tactile (non-supportive type) insoles tend to shift the body toward postural homeostasis. This is observed in the shoe wear patterns (See photo 3 below).
Photo 3 - Shoe wear pattern
when tonicity patterns are normalized (homeostasis)
- mechanical (supportive type) insoles tend to shift the body away from postural homeostasis (Rothbart 2005) and destabilize (augment) the kyphotic and scoliotic curves in the spine (Fusco).
Professor/Dr. Brian A. Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot and PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain
Sign Up Now to get your free chapter from Professor Rothbart's book, Forever Free From Chronic Pain
References:
Rothbart BA 2004. Pressure Plate Analysis of the Medial Column Foot Insole. A Statistical Study. Online Journal of Sports Medicine (Italian), November Issue.
Rothbart BA 2005. Tactile therapy shifts patients towards equilibrium. Biomechanics. Vol XII, No 10:61-68.
Fusco MA, Fusco R, and Ambrosone M. 2001 Instrumental Evaluation of the Consequences on the Pelvis and on the Vertebral Column Caused by the Use of Various Orthotics, Performed by Means of the Posturographic Rug 3D VRS Formetric. KS ITALIA Studies’ and Research Center.
Posted by rothbart at 4/5/2009 10:44 AM 
Categories: Biomechanics (Technical)
Tags: Bracers Releasers Muscle Tone Proprioceptive Insoles Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Categories: Biomechanics (Technical)
Tags: Bracers Releasers Muscle Tone Proprioceptive Insoles Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
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