Throughout 2019 I made the journey to the South West of Ireland to Ballincollig, Co Cork to undertake a higher Diploma in Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic Therapy with St. Martins College. As part of this qualification one has to under take to write a dissertation. I had experience and the leisurely time of doing 2 such projects for my Science Degree and Masters but its a different kettle of fish when you are working at the same time!
To make life easier I choose a topic that was going to be interesting to study – the good old human foot. The great scientist Leonardo De Vinci referred to the foot as ‘a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art’ and with its 26 bones and over 100 ligaments not to mention its 3 arches and Achilles tendon that allows us to spring off the ground, I set off. The intent of my research was to find out if minimal running shoes (you know the ones that have very little support in them and a flat sole) prevented injuries in runners.
With a busy clinic and a gentle way of procrastinating I left things to the last minute so I ended up throwing myself into research in late September. I was pleasantly surprised by the results I was finding in the literature proving that running in minimal shoes induces a different way in which the foot strikes the ground and by changing ones running mechanics their is a reduction in injury risk in runners. However word of warning…. great care must be taken if transitioning to such a shoe as injuries may occur to the metatarsals of the foot.
With many a red eye night and coffee induced days I was delighted to submit my dissertation at the end of November 2019 and even more delighted to qualify as a Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic Therapist in January 2020.
Coupled with an Amatsu balance, I now offer clients rehab exercises to facilitate their bodies in recovering from injury and moving towards well being once more. The beauty of this qualification is that a treatment at Mederi Amatsu Clinic is now covered by all major health insurance companies in Ireland such as VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life and more. A win win for all!
Above all delving into the world of minimal shoes has allowed me to remember once again the power of the human foot. I now wear these shoes everyday if I can (taking them off at bedtime of course!) because along with being extremely comfortable, I get to feel the ground underneath my feet. This brings stability to my legs as I walk and creates a great sense of ease and joy in my body and a deep sense of connection to the great Mama Earth.