Last spring and summer, Foot Levelers sandals with built-in orthotics were so popular they became hard to get.

For the Spring 2010, Foot Levelers is introducing the new CAOS (Custom Adjustable Orthotic Sandal) for women seeking good support in an easy-on, comfy sandal.  Open-toed like a flip-flop, the CAOS fits like an athletic shoe for all day comfort and support.

Foot Levelers has also teamed with Naot to bring contemporary orthotic sandals to men and women.  This new footwear offers the same option of custom orthotic support in a stylish, qaulity leather sandal.

Treat Your Feet

Most people who have their feet scanned exhibit some degree of pronation or dropping of the arches.  This change is usually on both feet, but not symmetrical.  When one foot and ankle moves differently the effect travels up the leg and can affect the spine.  Having your feet scanned, then supporting your feet with custom made inserts helps your feet, ankles, legs, and hips maintain a level foundation for your pelvis, and ultimately the rest of your spine.  Foot Levelers’ custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers can help reduce postural stress and maintain your body’s natural state of alignment.

At Matthews Chiropractic Center Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers are a tool that we use to maintain proper spinal alignment between chiropractic adjustments and promote joint health whenever the feet hit the ground.  If you are interested in having your feet scanned or learning more about Foot Levelers, please contact us at info@matthewschiro.com or 704-841-3833.

There was great interest at this past Monday’s Siskey YMCA Health Fair in Matthews, NC.  It was terrific to meet neighbors working hard to stay fit and healthy.  Most folks were headed to or had just finished their workouts when we fielded questions related to chiropractic, spinal stability, and Foot Levelers orthotics.  A full line of Foot Levelers Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers are available at Matthews Chiropractic Center.  Kim Johnson, LMBT, joined me to offer complimentary chair massages… her magical hands stayed busy start to finish.  The Siskey YMCA is a wonderful, buzzing, and well equipped facility.  Thank you to Sarah Duncan, RN, CCM (Siskey YMCA Health Nurse) for her coordinating efforts.

With temperatures dipping, local trees have sprung to life in shades of yellow, orange, and red, while the cool autumn breeze has strewn the leaves on our lawns.  Before you suit up to go out and gather the colorful foliage, I have a few precautions for you to bear in mind.

Playing in the Leaves is Fun, Raking Can Be More than a Chore

Raking leaves is one of those one-sided, repetitive activities that could upset the usual, happy balance in our backs.  Muscles in our back fire in unison to maintain our posture and allow us to do work, but toil in a manner that overworks one side, and this could lead to a real stiff back.

• First, beware working predominantly on one side of the body, like when raking, digging, loading the dishwasher, placing groceries in your car, or putting a child into a car seat.  If you are raking or digging, try to periodically switch the side of your body, where you are working. If you are raking, specifically, alternate between raking front to back and side to side (across your body), to prevent any one group of muscles from fatiguing.
• Split loading activities like packing the car’s truck or bagging those colorful leaves into separate squatting and bending movements.  Avoiding motions that simultaneously twist and bend the low back can help you steer clear of back pain.  Bending and rotating at the same time puts the spine in a position of weakness and increases the chances of injury – this is the mechanism that leads to many disc injuries.
• When bending or lifting, bend your knees to lift with your legs.  The legs are the strongest muscles in your body and using the legs can save your back.

If you should happen to upset the delicate balance of muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons that allow for all our movements, remember I’m here at Matthews Chiropractic Center to help make everything work better again.  And, if just the thought of raking your leaves makes your back ache and pain-free is not your status quo, then chiropractic care could be your remedy.

This past Saturday, October 24, I volunteered as part of the medical crew for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Charlotte. Representing Matthews Chiropractic Center, I provided chiropractic adjustments to many sore and weary walkers.  These inspired women had walked 26 miles on Saturday and were planning to walk 13 miles more on Sunday.

I hope that my adjustments helped them rest easier and prepare for the last leg of their walk.  What wonderful efforts the walkers made to expand awareness, fund raise, and demonstrate their support through 39 miles of walking over two days to combat breast cancer.

Visit the Avon Foundation site to learn more and show your support.

Dr. Matthew Leibman and Kim Johnson, LBMT

Last Saturday, October 10, Matthews Chiropractic Center participated in the Lake Park Fall Festival in Indian Trail, NC.

People were curious about how chiropractic could help their neck pain, back pain, headaches, and other concerns. It was great to meet folks out on a lovely fall day and answer questions from our neighbors. Kim Johnson was on hand, offering massage, while I conversed on chiropractic.

Look for us again on November 2nd, from 9:00-11:00am, as Matthews Chiropractic Center takes part in a Community Health Fair at the Siskey YMCA in Matthews, NC.

If you have any questions about chiropractic care we’re always helpful at trying to find your answers and diagnose any problems you might have. Give us a call at 704-841-3833 or contact us today.