Breaking: Study Validates Foot Levelers Custom Orthotics Significantly Reduce Low Back Pain, Help Reduce Reliance on Opioids

What could eclipse the eclipse?

In our world–in the world of safe, effective pain management and the fight to save lives as the national opioid emergency rages on–it’s a new, major research study that proves what we’ve know for over 65 years:

Foot Levelers + Chiropractic care significantly reduce Chronic Low Back Pain

—by an average of 40.4 percent.

Published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the study hits the print stands September 1. Click here or scroll down to view the full news release.

Foot Levelers custom orthotics, like Chiropractic care, are safe, painless, non-invasive and cost-effective–in stark contrast to risky, expensive surgery.  It’s important to note that Chiropractic is, and has always been, a proudly drug-free approach to care.

Got Pain? Avoid the knife and potentially life-threatening drugs. Call 800.553.4860 to find a Foot Levelers doctor near you.

ROANOKE, VA—August 22, 2017—A conclusive new study, “Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial” conducted by National University of Health Sciences and published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation shows that Foot Levelers custom orthotics, particularly in combination with chiropractic care, significantly reduce Low Back Pain (LBP). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports 80 percent of adults experience LBP at some point in their lifetime and it’s the single leading cause of disability worldwide, with many taking prescription drugs for pain relief – which often leads to long-term drug abuse and addiction.

“The study unequivocally confirms what we have known for over 65 years: Foot Levelers custom orthotics are a powerful first-line treatment in the battle against LBP,” says Kent S. Greenawalt, CEO of Foot Levelers, the world’s leading provider of custom-made functional orthotics and other therapeutic products. “There is significant scientific evidence that explains the foot-spine connection, but the bottom line is that using Foot Levelers to balance and support the feet—the foundation of the body—helps balance and support the spine. This study is another striking development in the case for evidence-based, conservative care of LBP, which in the face of America’s ongoing opioid crisis, is more important news than ever.”

A Chiropractor resident treats a patient in Hayward, California

Key Findings

• Foot Levelers orthotics significantly reduce Low Back Pain 34.5 percent
• Foot Levelers orthotics plus chiropractic care reduce Low Back Pain 40.4 percent
• Foot Levelers alone or in conjunction with chiropractic care improves function:  18.5 percent and 32.3 percent, respectively

Methodology

• Outcomes assessed at six weeks. Outcomes also assessed after 12 weeks, and then after an additional three, six, and 12 months.
• Improvements in both pain and in function as measured on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and functional health status (Oswestry) scale.
• 225 subjects with LBP were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

1. Wait-list: no treatment for 6 weeks.
2. Foot Levelers Shoe Orthotic Group: treatment plan consisted of Foot Levelers custom orthotics only.
3. Plus Group: treatment plan of Foot Levelers custom orthotics plus chiropractic care.

Manuel Duarte, DC, MSAc, DABCO, and DACBSP, Chair of Clinical Practice at National University of Health Sciences, (Lombard, IL) and one of the study’s lead researchers, says, “LBP is one of the most common reasons cited for missed work and the NIH study confirms more than one quarter of adults reported LBP during the past three months.  Most alarming is the link between LBP and the deadly opioid epidemic, a challenge that is effectively addressed when Foot Levelers custom orthotics and drug-free chiropractic care are the first-line approach for LBP pain management.”

More on this important breaking story coming soon!

Media Contact:
Foot Levelers, Inc.
Elizabeth Parsons, 540-682-2336
Elizabeth.Parsons@FootLevelers.com

Let’s Get Nerdy

Science. We like it.

And not just because the design of our custom orthotics is based on it. Not just because research proves again and again that our custom orthotics help Low Back Pain, plus a ton of other pain and performance issues.*

Wellllllll... OK. That’s a big part of it.

But we also like science because our patients like it. Nay, our patients demand it! As well they should–health is “kind of a big deal” and folks want to make sure they’re making the right decisions for their body, well-being, and longevity.

That’s why today (!) we released a BIG, whopping, dare-we-say thrilling update to our Patient Report of Findings… Check out the latest and greatest below!

This new Report of Findings–available on the cloud-based Kiosk only–reveals detailed info and images about the health of your feet and their three arches, plus how arch collapse may be contributing to problems throughout the body. It helps your doctor determine if you’re a candidate for custom orthotics.

Our 3D BodyView generates a fantastic Patient Report of Findings too–but this version is more in-depth than ever. You and your doctor are armed with…

• More data about your feet and posture
• Enhanced options to review the Report together
• Nifty new graphics that show how orthotics can improve your posture
• Sections your doctor can customize with her or his practice information so you’ll always have your doctor’s info handy should you have questions or want to schedule a follow-up

You also get emailed your very own version of the Report.

Patients are loving the Kiosk because scanning yourself is fun–and it’s a real eye-opener when it comes to learning how important foot health is, not just for the feet, but for the entire body.  Docs love the Kiosk because it saves them time–invaluable in any busy practice.

A patient gives the Kiosk a whirl as C.A. Lexi Zoppetti looks on at Bompiani Spine & Sport in Latrobe, PA.

So go ahead, get nerdy with us! We at Foot Levelers ❤ our science and we think you will too. If you’ve got back pain (or hip pain, joint pain, knee pain, neck pain, even headaches!), ask your doctor how research-backed custom orthotics can help. Don’t have a Foot Levelers doc yet? Give us a call at 800.553.4860 or message us on Facebook–we’ll help you find one in your area.

(And whether your doctor scans your feet with the 3D BodyView or the new Kiosk, the end result–should you need it–is a great pair of custom orthotics, built from scratch, made just for you).

*Hint: we’ve got another BIG announcement coming soon in the science arena. Stay tuned!

1 Scan = Unlimited Pairs (for Up to 2 Years!)

Did you know that Foot Levelers keeps your foot scan on file for 24 months? That means a fresh pair of custom orthotics or orthotic footwear may just be a phone call away!

Call your doctor today to ask about additional pairs–whether it’s the same model you got before or you want to try something completely different, one scan gives us the information we need to build you the support you need.  And if you don’t have a Foot Levelers doctor yet, call or message us today to find one near you! 800.553.4860.

Foot Levelers’ Seabreeze custom orthotic flip-flop, taking in some rays

New Shoes, New Flip-Flops, New Ways to Save This Spring!

DOCS: Our 65^th Year celebration continues! Call 800.553.4860 to learn more about our NEW fabulous orthotic footwear plus NEW fabulous ways to save!

Patients: Visit Your chiropractor or call us at 800.553.4860 to find one near you!

Docs: May is a great time to make sure your patients have the footwear they need for spring and summer, and Foot Levelers is here to help with even more additions to our already extensive Shoethotic^® and custom orthotic flip-flop collections. Plus, big savings in May with code STEP20—call 800.553.4860 to take advantage today!

Get to know our brand new custom orthotic footwear styles below…

• New Clarks Marus Edge Shoethotics: Casual styling meets sporty versatility in the new Clarks Marus Edge for men. This trendy lace-up evokes a boat shoe vibe, with a breathable textile upper and soft lining that offer instant comfort—no break-in required. A high-rebound, lightweight outsole offers limitless flexibility, perfect for spring and summer lounging and outdoor enjoyment. Mention SAVE20 and save on these brand new beauties today!

• New Women’s Catamaran^® Custom Orthotic Flip-flops: It’s time for her to take the helm with the new Catamaran custom orthotic flip-flop for women. On the boat, at the beach, at the barbecue—wherever your patient’s journey takes her, the unbeatable comfort and durability of Catamaran custom orthotic flip-flops are hers to command. The Catamaran for women features 3 Arch Advantage, a soft leather top cover and strap, and a shock-absorbent mid-layer. (Interested in the men’s Catamaran? Check it out here!) Use code STEP20 to set sail with a pair today!

Foot Levelers Shoethotics®, Sandalthotics® and custom orthotic flip-flops are the world’s healthiest footwear, because they’re fitted with your patient’s custom-made, individually designed orthotic. Foot Levelers custom orthotic footwear takes the guesswork out of choosing footwear that’s actually good you, plus the shoe-orthotic combo often costs less than purchasing these wellness products separately.

Remember, Docs! Use STEP20 to save on ALL custom orthotic footwear—including our newest custom orthotic footwear styles! With code STEP20, your patients can go from work to play with a firm foundation all year long. Call Foot Levelers today to put some spring in your patient’s step and to take advantage of STEP20!

5 Reasons to Choose Custom Orthotics for the Treatment of Low Back Pain

1. The feet are the body’s foundation. Just like a building, fixing problems in the foundation can help with problems throughout the structure.

“…I have to load 5,000 pigs every 4 months. This entails many hours of walking on cement alleyways. I couldn’t help load without my Foot Levelers!” –Farmer Donita Koberg Platz of Minnesota

2. “Bad” feet are linked to bad backs—the research proves it. Fixing bad feet can make a huge difference in the treatment of low back pain.

3. Your feet may feel just fine—but they could be causing problems up above. Foot imbalance or dysfunction is often “silent,” but it can have ripple effects, transferring problems (and pain) to the low back.

4. Your feet are as unique as your fingerprints; your orthotics should be too. Only custom orthotics can account for differences between your right and left foot, and can include accommodations for your specific feet, body and low back pain.

5. Custom orthotics are built just for you based on a highly detailed 3D scan of your feet. Performed by a skilled health professional, the scan is sent to Foot Levelers’ team of trained design technicians, who in turn create your 100% unique, tailored product.

Patient receives a 3D laser scan on Foot Levelers’ 3D BodyView. The highly detailed image becomes like an architectural drawing for our design team. They’ll use it to create the patient’s custom orthotics.

Don’t be fooled by the over-the-counter junk; these mass-produced, generic insoles can actually worsen your pain over time. Most cases of low back pain respond to conservative care like Chiropractic adjustments plus custom-made orthotics; no need for dangerous surgery or addictive drugs. 

For lasting pain relief, improved biomechanics and health benefits that radiate throughout the body, choose custom orthotic support. Your feet, and your body, will thank you.

“WHYOTY” April: Enter to Win a Pair of Brooks Shoethotics® at Facebook.com/FootLevelers!

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17

MEDIA ALERT: To celebrate 65 years of relieving pain and improving patient outcomes, Foot Levelers launched an exciting, year-long patient sweepstakes: “Where Have Your Orthotics Taken You?” (“WHYOTY”). There’s a prize for every month; April’s was recently revealed to be a pair of Brooks Shoethotics^®. Brooks are the go-to shoes of serious runners; our Brooks Shoethotics combine this exceptional brand with Foot Levelers custom-made orthotics built in.

Whether it’s running their first marathon or walking to the mailbox pain-free, patients who post their photos and/or videos of them “in action” with their orthotics to Foot Levelers’ Facebook page are entered to win a fabulous WHYOTY prize each month.

“My Foot Levelers took me hiking through an old volcano on the island of Hawaii!” said Danielle Evans of Michigan, January’s winner. “I never travel without them. Two foot surgeries and metal in my feet have made me so thankful for the support they offer my three arches (or lack there of), the lightweight design, and soft foam inserts. I had tried ones from my foot doctor who did my surgeries and the hard inserts made my feet hurt worse! Foot Levelers orthotics are a life changer!”

Another submission from WHYOTY contestant Claire Welsh!

It’s easy for patients to enter WHYOTY. Here’s how:

1) Posts a photo or video to our Facebook page of an activity in which you’re wearing Foot Levelers orthotics or orthotic footwear.

2) Say a few words about what’s happening and where.

3) Each post, post like, and post comment equals entries into a monthly sweepstakes. At the end of the month, we announce the winner!

The more you post, and the more your friends “like,” share, and comment on it, the greater the chance of winning that month’s prize! Visit Facebook.com/FootLevelers or FootLevelers.com/PostandWin for more information and official rules.

From relaxing on the Baja beach to ice fishing in Minnesota, from training with famous MMA fighters to chillin’ with Chewbacca, below are some of our favorite WHYOTY submissions so far. Foot Levelers orthotics take folks everywhere!

Dr. Mads Schroder of Schroeder Family Chiropractic in Fresno, California

Sneak Peek!

We’re adding a couple of really cool brands to our line of Shoethotics®, and the first shipment just arrived today! We’ll be launching officially this month, so stay tuned for more….

Check Out AM7™: Our New Custom-Made Orthotics for Teens

We’re excited to introduce our newest innovation in custom-made orthotics: AM7™, designed for teens ages 13-18.  AM7 features:

• Super durability for teens’ active lifestyles
• Odor protection designed specifically for teens
• 3 Arch Advantage™ to promote healthy posture, help prevent injury and improve biomechanics

AM7 is available with Foot Levelers’ Posture Protect Program™, for savings with each replacement orthotic for the rapidly growing teen. It’s the perfect “step up” for young patients who have enjoyed the support and protection of Foot Levelers’ Ultra Young Soles®, designed for ages 5–12.

AM7 and Ultra Young Soles are developed specifically for the growing body. Ask your Chiropractor to learn more!

The Best of Summer

We ❤ summer! Foot Levelers’ custom orthotic flip-flops help balance the body’s foundation and give you the support you need through all your summer activities!

 

From Burrrr to Bahhh: Versawool(TM)

Does the view outside your window look a little something like the mess above?

If you’re located on the East Coast like we are, you may (yet again) find your city or town smothered beneath a blanket of snow today. The perfect antidote: Foot Levelers’ Versawool orthotic.

Made with 100% natural Merino wool from the Merino sheep, this super smart orthotic actually helps regulate body temperature–so it will help keep you warm and cozy on days that are anything but. Best of all, Versawool is great for spring and summer too. That same smart temperature-regulating technology will help keep you cool when temperatures rise.

Versawool also naturally wicks away moisture and fights odors, so your feet will feel (and smell) dry and fresh no matter the weather outside.

Like all Foot Levelers’ functional orthotics, Versawool orthotics are custom-made based on a scan or cast of your feet, so you get support that’s 100% individually-designed just for you. Just like snowflakes, no two pairs of feet are the same. Shouldn’t something as critical as support for your body’s foundation be just as unique?

Talk to your Chiropractor about Versawool today!