1. The cast is obtained with a casting process known as MASS Posture Casting. This casting best approximates how the foot actually functions in the gait cycle. In addition, the foot is corrected in a position termed MASS “Maximal Arch Supination Stabilization”. MASS is a position which places the foot and all of its accompanying joints into maximal supination. This position sets up the foot for heel strike, stabilizes the arch and first ray for forefoot loading and affords the entire kinetic chain proper balance and shock absorption.
2. Sole Supports, Inc. uses an inverted, angled casting foam to accomplish a standard 27 degrees of forefoot inversion, more than adequate to ensure maximal supination in most cases. Wearing a MASS posture orthotic the soft tissues will compress over 7mm in some areas. So it is important to cast the foot in such a way that will evenly compress the soft tissues by using a 1.75 psi urethane foam.
3. The cast is so accurate that no additional cast modification is required by our lab other than smoothing up the model made by our milling machines.
Sole Supports, Inc. offers a complete theoretical and practical training course online, via video, printed manual, PDF and on site, all at no charge, to optimize the practitioner’s ability to utilize Sole Supports, Inc.’s unique orthotic technology.
The Sole Supports, Inc.’s orthotic is a one hundred percent custom yet completely adjustable by the practitioner, as needed. Because the plastic exhibits the aforementioned qualities, it can be reheated and adjusted in the field with a simple heat gun.
Orthotics not based on MASS Posture theory allow the foot to collapse near the end of pronation and act as “bumpers” to dampen impact and mask symptoms. Pathological collapse of the foot simply cannot be addressed after it has happened; it's too late. Sole Supports uniquely acts as a leaf spring at the beginning of the postural range of motion to actually control and correct collapse of the arch. The foot becomes a much more efficient propulsive lever thus dramatically reducing the chance of injury, improving performance, and patients report improving their deformity and disability.
Sole Supports are Full Contact (the geometry is the actual shape of the individual’s foot with soft tissues evenly compressed). This distributes the force per unit area (pressure) evenly over the entire plantar surface. Combined with MASS Posture, which virtually eliminates impact (the foot does not have to drop down to hit the orthotics because they are already touching), this allow Sole Supports to apply a far greater corrective force to the foot while remaining comfortable.
Sole Supports are the ONLY individually calibrated (optically and digitally) to deliver an equal and opposite range of forces to those imposed by the body based on the patient’s weight, foot flexibility, and activity levels. Attempting to control the arch without calibration increases warrantees for “too rigid” or “too flexible” orthotic shells to grossly unacceptable levels, making the use of MASS Posture untenable.
Only Sole Supports can be quickly and easily adjusted for Average Daily Living (ADL) and Intensive Activity applications with ultra light low profile “Leafs” that Velcro to the bottom, re-calibrating for demanding situations or environments.
Sole Supports Orthotics custom hand made and shipped from our plant in Tennessee, USA in seven days or less.
12. Foot Posture Biomechanics-MASS Posture Theory” is unique: it looks at managing foot biomechanics from an engineering perspective. The casting method, specifically accounts for the patient’s weight, foot flexibility and activity levels, and best approximates how the foot actually functions in the gait cycle. These orthotics have significantly improved numerous disorders, including Hallux Abducto Valgus, Dorsal Bunions / Exostosis, Inter-phalangeal Sesamoids, Sesamoiditis, Pinch Callus, Stress Fractures, Morton’s Neuroma, Sub-Metatarsal Bursitis / Metatarsalgia, Tailor’s Bunions, 1st Met-cuneiform exostosis ( Saddle Bone Deformity ) Stress Fractures, Metatarsalgia, Intractable Plantar Keratoma, Diffuse Callus sub metatarsals 2-4, Morton’s Neuroma, Hammer Toes, Tailor’s Bunions, Heel Spur, Plantar Fasciitis, Sub-calcaneal Bursitis, Retro-calcaneal Bursitis, Patello-femoral Tracking Disorder, ACL Injury, Greater Trochanteric Bursitis, ITB Syndrome, Shin Splints, Tibial Stress Fractures, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis (pump-bump/Hagland’s Deformity), Chronic Myostitis of Tibialis Anterior, Entrapment Neuropathies/tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles Tendon Tendonitis, Piriformis Syndrome, Leg Length Inequality, Asymmetrical Pronation effects on Pelvic/Spinal Mechanics.
13. The foot orthotic is a relatively simple machine. It is noting more than a mechanical leaf spring attempting to apply a corrective force. To maximize the effectiveness of this spring it must apply an adequate force to effect a significant change in foot posture. Comfort is also a major issue. Even distribution of force per unit area eliminates hot spots. Early application of force through full contact eliminates repetitive impact. Then one must decide how much posture correction is adequate, therapeutic and effective. MASS Posture is proposed. This is an acronym depicting the Maximal Arch attainable at mid-stance, with adequate Supination to Stabilize the talus against the calcaneus in the sagittal plane for efficient propulsion around the ankle axis while keeping heel and forefoot on the supporting surface. When should the force be applied? Simply stated, the force must be applied before the pathologic motion occurs to be effective in controlling it. Lastly, the magnitude of the spring force must be determined. Application of Newton’s third law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction gives us the appropriate range of corrective forces that this spring must apply for each patient based on the variables of body weight, foot flexibility and momentum assuming activities of daily living. Appropriate adjustments must be made for athletic activities. A proprietary measurement technology invented at Sole Supports, Inc. measures the range of upward forces that the spring applies to the human body. Sole Supports remains the pioneer in orthotic calibration.
Summary
1. Only ONE foot orthotic uses MASS Posture or even tries to address foot posture: Sole Supports.
2. Only Sole Supports are Calibrated to an equal and opposite range of forces to the body.
3. Only Sole Supports control foot collapse instead of just dampening final impact.
4. Only Sole Supports work throughout the gait cycle; not just the last few degrees of collapse.
5. Only Sole Supports dramatically addresses the cause of foot problems, prevents deformity, improves performance, balance and efficiency; instead of simply masking the symptoms.
6. Most foot problems are NOT the fault of the shoes or boots. They share a common etiology; a genetic predisposition to collapse of the medial longitudinal arch which can easily be counteracted with the MASS Posture calibrated leaf springs manufactured by Sole Supports, Inc.
