Foot Mobilisation Techniques ‘FMT’ is a proven alternative treatment solution, that uses the ‘hands-on’ techniques of joint mobilisation, combined with corrective exercises, to fix the structural cause of foot, heel, ankle, leg, knee, hip & back pain, reducing the need for orthotics, surgery or medication. Foot Mobilisation has its roots in manipulative therapy, which is a long established technique widely used by the physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathic professions.
The first foot and ankle manipulative techniques were developed in the 1920s by American Dr John Martin Hiss, a student of manipulative therapy. Dr Hiss went on to open clinics across America, where osteopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors and medical doctors worked side by side to treat foot problems.
The biomechanical and biochemical physiological effects of connective tissue to immobilisation are well described in the literature. Factors such as intra-articular adhesions, contracture of the joint capsule, or muscle shortening are also responsible for gross joint stiffness (Binkles & Peat, Woo et al.). Akeson (1980) documented that a sequel to joint immobilisation is joint stiffness.
So (1986) argues that manipulative procedures play a major part in regaining the range of movement or function of the joint. Exercises help to maintain the range of movement gained from mobilisation. ‘The importance of passive mobilisation and manipulation lies in the restoration of gross movements and accessory movements, which cannot be gained by patients through exercises alone, and certainly not by rest.’
Implementing FMT to break down the cross-linkages described by Woo et al to restore joint mobility is the biomechanical basis for joint mobilisation and manipulation used in chiropractic (Lantz 1988) and physiotherapy (Maitland 1991). This basis can also be used for restoring joint mobility in the foot and leg.
The philosophical basis of FMT is that ‘everything works best when it’s in the right position’ and the body is innately always trying to repair & restore itself. FMT helps the body help itself more effectively.Physiologically and anatomically, a body is better off when it is free from subluxation (joint displacement).
FMT is specifically designed to reduce subluxation in the foot and leg.
This provides the body with greater functional capacity to:
- heal and repair
- respond to the forces of gravity, movement and physical events.
How interesting that today, with the greatest scientific developments in the history of healthcare, more people are seeking ‘alternative’ options for the health.
FMT is a response to the often asked question: ‘Isn’t there something else I can do apart from orthotics?’
While FMT is relatively new within podiatry, the principles of FMT have been used by physiotherapists and chiropractors for decades. It just hasn’t been used exclusively to treat biomechanical disorders of the foot & leg, up until now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lQ-0v5K4ePw
