Look in the Mirror

Is your body in correct alignment?

Take these self exams to see for yourself.

Step 1. Stand barefoot - in shorts or underwear - in front of a full-length mirror, so that you can see from your knees down to your feet. Stand in a relaxed, normal position, facing the mirror. Close your eyes. March in place about 10 steps to position your feet naturally.

• Do either or both feet flare outward?           Yes   or   No 

• Do either or both feet point inward?             Yes   or  No
  
• Are either or both kneecaps off center?         Yes   or  No

   

Step 2. Stand sideways (first left, then right):

• Do either or both feet appear “flat,” with no arch support?      Yes  or  No

• Do either or both feet appear extra high in the arch area?        Yes  or  No

  
   Pronated Feet (Flat Arch)                Supinated Feet (High Arch)
  

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, your feet are probably pronated or supinated and are not providing proper support for your body .

Solution

A balanced body is a happier body! A body that’s out of balance can be causing you pain anywhere from your feet all the way up to your neck. Custom-made In-Joy Life Spinal Pelvic Stabilizer Orthotics are specially made just for your feet and for your unique postural condition.

The joints in your body that bear weight (ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, low back, neck) are like links in a chain. If your feet aren’t balanced, every joint (and the connecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments) above may become injured over time due to unnatural twists and strains on your body. Pain may occur because of these postural imbalances.

In addition, every time your feet hit the ground, a shock wave travels all the way through your body. If your feet are balanced, they can absorb much of that shock. But if they’re not in balance, over time the shock can cause you additional stress/strain.

Your postural condition is as unique to you as your fingerprint.

Hip Roll Demo

 This demo shows how even a minor movement in your feet can affect your pelvis. If there is imbalance in the feet, it’s likely that hip motion will become unequal (more on one side than the other). Over time, this imbalance can potentially cause postural stresses and strains.

Step 1. Place your fingertips lightly on your hip bones about three inches below your belt where your pocket is. (see pictures below).

Step 2. Roll your feet inwards (Fig. A) and outwards (Fig. B) several times. You should feel the movement of your hip joints.

Step 3. Touch only your right hip (Fig. C), and slightly roll your right foot in and out.

Step 4. Touch only your left hip (Fig. D), and slightly roll your left foot in and out. You should feel how much your hip socket is still moving.

    Fig A.           Fig B.           Fig C.             Fig D.