I'll start first by giving you a very very very oversimplified explanation of why, in my eyes, overpronation happens (with the help of a few diagrams for light relief!).
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| 1. 'Internal core v gravity |
Our bodies move with and against gravity. Very simplistically, our body is built with a deep central core designed to lift up and away from gravity to keep us up rather than being pulled down flat by gravity. The strength of this central core is overall greater than the gravitational pull downwards and so we stay upright, strong and mobile.* This deep central core runs through us from the arch of our feet to the very top of our head. See diagram 1 on the right.
*This IS a very very very over-simplified 'model'. In reality we are a web of forces working up, down, across, diagonally, front to back and we are constantly readjusting ourselves according to our position and relativity to gravitational force. But I hop that this explanation can give you a feel here for what goes on in terms of the relationship between upward lift and gravity.
*This IS a very very very over-simplified 'model'. In reality we are a web of forces working up, down, across, diagonally, front to back and we are constantly readjusting ourselves according to our position and relativity to gravitational force. But I hop that this explanation can give you a feel here for what goes on in terms of the relationship between upward lift and gravity.
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| 2. Weakened internal support |
If the strength of this upwards lift is lost to some degree then gravity had a greater pull downwards making it harder again for us to lift up through our central core. This inevitably happens to all of us, to some kind of extent. But have a look at Diagram 2, to see what happens if we are to imagine the inner core being excessively pulled down by gravity. Now, please remember that in reality we are a complex web of up, down, horizontal and diagonal forces all working in relation to gravity and the space around us... BUT, can you get a sense that if the inner core is not at full strength then excess or overpronation, can occur as a result of the force coming down through the ankle and arch, making it difficult to lift and control its movement?
Now, the reason that people are given orthotics or support shoes for overpronation is so this area is given some more upwards lift and / or to stop it collapsing further. Sounds sensible I hear you say? In theory, yes, I suppose.
I've got to say here now though, that I'm not a huge fan of orthotics or support shoes. That's not to say that I don't think they ever have a role because they definitely do. But I'm someone who fundamentally believes in finding and resolving issues at source (or as near to source as possible) and returning the body back to its natural design. I am much more comfortable therefore thinking of orthotics, and support shoes, being used as a temporary measure to provide support while the underlying issue is being resolved. I do believe that in many cases, if not the majority, that this is achievable with a 'whole person' approach and appropriate progression and transition from support to non-support.
Unfortunately it is common to see someone being put into more and more aggressive supports when I believe the opposite could be the case.**
**practitioner and advice dependent. There are definitely GREAT podiatrist et al out there!
So the real problem that I have with supports is that in the majority of cases that I see**, the support is only treating the body's expression of another more central issue, and not the actual cause. If the underlying cause is not dealt with then:
1. the wearer can become dependent on the support, further weakening an already weakened structure, and
2. the actual issue will eventually just present itself elsewhere in the body (Diagram 3 shows where the body could potentially next express the issue if the downward force remains as strong).
Unfortunately it is common to see someone being put into more and more aggressive supports when I believe the opposite could be the case.**
**practitioner and advice dependent. There are definitely GREAT podiatrist et al out there!
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| 3. forces through knees |
1. the wearer can become dependent on the support, further weakening an already weakened structure, and
2. the actual issue will eventually just present itself elsewhere in the body (Diagram 3 shows where the body could potentially next express the issue if the downward force remains as strong).
'Ok, Caroline', I hear you say, 'So we get that you're not a fan of long term supports then. But how would you deal with overpronation?'
Well, that will depend upon the person in front of me who is doing the overpronating.... And actually, sometimes I would do absolutely nothing about it, and instead use it as a benchmark to help me measure a client's overall alignment progression. Ultimately, for me, it comes down to working out why is that internal system not as strong as it is designed to be? And THAT can happen for many many many number of reasons and variations of reasons. It can be mechanical, emotional, mental, spiritual and combinations of any of these at the same time. For example, sitting more, and spending less time trying to hold ourselves upright (see day 2 of blog) plays a part. Feeling emotionally unsupported or overwhelmed with stress can lead to someone literally becoming unable to hold oneself up a physical sense. Previous injuries, traumas, surgery and 'battle scars' can all cause adhesions in the body's tissues, pulling the directional force off its ideal course.
Well, that will depend upon the person in front of me who is doing the overpronating.... And actually, sometimes I would do absolutely nothing about it, and instead use it as a benchmark to help me measure a client's overall alignment progression. Ultimately, for me, it comes down to working out why is that internal system not as strong as it is designed to be? And THAT can happen for many many many number of reasons and variations of reasons. It can be mechanical, emotional, mental, spiritual and combinations of any of these at the same time. For example, sitting more, and spending less time trying to hold ourselves upright (see day 2 of blog) plays a part. Feeling emotionally unsupported or overwhelmed with stress can lead to someone literally becoming unable to hold oneself up a physical sense. Previous injuries, traumas, surgery and 'battle scars' can all cause adhesions in the body's tissues, pulling the directional force off its ideal course.
My approach when working individually with a person is to take any and all of this into account, or certainly as much as is appropriate and to which I am allowed access to from what my client tells me. The approach then has to be a strategy of releasing, strengthening, rebalancing and re-educating tissues and movement within the body and mind.
But in terms of general advice? Well, I'm not saying DON'T get support shoes, or DON'T get orthotics. For some people its better to have than to not depending on what else they are doing, are going to do, or AREN'T going to do about overpronation. You have to make your own informed choices about these kind things and decide what's best for you. But I guess, that's what I'm kind of getting at.... Overpronation is just your body's way of balancing out all the forces in motion that it is having to deal with. If you've been told that you overpronate then start looking at all why that might be the case. Decide yourself if it's a problem for YOU. FEEL what support is like under your feet. If it doesn't FEEL better then DON'T assume its better for you because someone else says it is. Get further advice. Understand more about your overall alignment. Read some of the other posts on this blog (previous and those to come) and other alignment specialist (many of whom you will see links to on my Facebook page).
Most importantly, start learning about YOU, your body, what it needs and how it functions. It could be the most rewarding education you ever undertake!
Phew! Does your head hurt yet? I'm thinking some light relief would be good for tomorrow's blog post!
Til tomorrow then....!
CT :-) x
PS Please don't now go mental in the gym doing 'core' exercise or take up barefoot running overnight after reading this. These are at least two more blog posts in their own right! It's not what I'm suggesting and again comes down to being informed about your bod, its needs and good movement alignment and practice.
Most importantly, start learning about YOU, your body, what it needs and how it functions. It could be the most rewarding education you ever undertake!
Phew! Does your head hurt yet? I'm thinking some light relief would be good for tomorrow's blog post!
Til tomorrow then....!
CT :-) x
PS Please don't now go mental in the gym doing 'core' exercise or take up barefoot running overnight after reading this. These are at least two more blog posts in their own right! It's not what I'm suggesting and again comes down to being informed about your bod, its needs and good movement alignment and practice.
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