Athletes Overcoming Injury, Increasing Effiency

Thank you for helping me be a competitive volleyball player again. I played with an over 60 team at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah and won the gold medal! We also played with a local over 65 team at the Florida State Senior Championships and won the gold!!

My vertical jump has gone from 10” to 20” and should continue to improve as my whole body feels much better and workouts are more comfortable.

Tim Weldon

I have always been athletic. Participating in sports all my life. I started participating in the sport of triathlon 3 years ago. During my training I frequently battled plantar fasciatis, IT band syndrome, hip pain, and an achy low back. I had weak ankles and they were always sore. I wore store bought orthotics but the problems still persisted. I always thought the aches and pains were normal, part of the training process. After all, I was having success at all distances, especially 70.3 races. I qualified for Clearwater 70.3 where I posted a time of 4.45. The run has always been my strength, but I was still having problems with IT band, heel, hip, and low back. Yes my whole body was miss-aligned. I paid several very expensive massage therapists to work out my aches and pains. This had only a band aide effect on my symptoms.

I recalled seeing Dr. Levine’s ad in Race Place magazine. I figured I had nothing to lose. I was skeptical because I had Doctor made orthotics in the past as well as store bought and nothing worked to my expectations. So I got a pair of orthotics several months ago from Dr. Levine. The orthotics are amazing and they work. Unlike other Dr. made orthotics, his are adjustable in his office to fit your needs. I no longer have any of the chronic nagging aches and pains I had before. My legs are much stronger and I recover faster from runs. My run splits are faster. I can rum faster and further than before. I don’t get as tired. Sometimes when I’m running in races and run past other races I say to myself  “if you only knew what I have in my shoes.” Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating. I like them so much I purchased a second pair for everyday use and a pair for running.

Lance Chambers

I was doing triathlons and when I ran I was always feeling heavy footed with sciatica. On the bike the sciatic has been bad since I went to nationals in 1997. Three back surgeries’ later my sciatic was still there but the pain going down the leg stopped. I came to see Dr. Levine. I feel very good now when I run. I started using my orthotics on the bike and I have not had sciatica for over a month. This is the first time in years. My triathlon times can only get better. Dr. Levine I want to thank you and your staff for everything.

Sincerely,
Lisa Pesta

Dear Dr. Levine,

I am a triathlete and avid runner and was very depressed when my right knee would become painful after only 2 miles of running. I went to several Doctors, got x-rays, MRI’s etc. and nothing helped. Another Dr. recommended you and I thought I had nothing to lose at this point. You gave me hope and a new pair of orthotics. I wasn’t running right away, but I slowly got to where I used to be and now I have surpassed myself. I am doing more mileage on the road than I ever did before the pain. Thank you Dr. Levine for being so helpful, knowledgeable and caring. I did St. Anthony’s and will do it again next year!

Rachael Carrol

Thank you very much for putting orthotic inserts in my daughter’s shoes and ice skates.  Last February, several ice skaters in our rink were recommended to you by Mr. Jeff French, who said that you might be able to solve some of Tracy’s problems by putting orthotics in her skates.  A couple of skaters said that after they used your orthotics, their jumps seemed better.  Tracy’s partner Michael Chau especially recommended the orthotics.
After hearing all of this, we decided to put one pair of orthotics in our daughter’s running shoes, and another pair in her ice skates.  What a difference they made.  Her jumps are a lot better.  She seems to be lining up better on her landings too.  You spent so much time with us, listening to her problems.  Many, many times you came to the rink to watch our skaters skate.  Now my daughter wouldn’t skate without her orthotics.

Michael Chau, my daughter’s partner got his orthotics two weeks before their first Nationals.  Without your orthotics, I don’t think they could have won 3rd place in Novice in 2006, 1st place in Novice in 2007, and 2nd place in Junior in 2008.  Thanks again!  Thank you so much for your orthotics!

Tracy Tanovich and Michael Chau

Dear Dr. Levine,

I would just like to thank you for everything you’ve done for us! You have been so helpful to both Tracy and I. Your help has made it so much easier and better for all of us here. I cannot express the happiness it brings me (and my coaches) to know my feet are being correctly placed. I am so lucky to have met you and been able to use your knowledge to my advantage. I as well as everyone else here are so glad to have you part of our team here in the Southwest Florida Figure Skating Club. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Sincerely,
Michael Chau
Bradenton, Fl.

Dr. Levine,

I just wanted to take a moment to send you a short note. Once I complete my ironman in April I hope to send you another success story. I just wanted to say thank you for setting me up with the orthotics. Yesterday I ran 18 miles with no pain during or after the run. This was the most I’ve run since my marathon in January 2007.  I can’t tell you how happy I am to run pain-free again. Prior to seeing you last October, I was worried about the marathon portion of the ironman. I was sure that I would struggle with pain. Now, I am very hopeful and confident that any pain I have will be from the natural course of competing in a race that distance, not from a long-standing injury. I can’t say thank you enough!

I’m forever grateful
Tammie Wonning
Brandon, Fl.

Dear Dr. Levine,

I just wanted to drop a short line to thank you for the wonderful orthotics and giving me my running life back.

As I told you during our first appointment, I had been an avid runner in my twenties and thirties. I ran 3-4 miles a day and felt it kept me in great shape. Following the birth of my children, I abandoned running for too many misconceptions…mainly that it caused long-term injuries. Recently, I read several books that corrected those misconceptions. I have learned that women can run healthfully until a ripe old age.

I always believed that along with a good diet, there was nothing better than running for keeping the weight off. Over the years, I had a collection or orthotics to deal with flat feet and a persistent knee pain. After moving to Florida, the running bug bit me again. But I had countless false starts as I tried to do too much too soon, with too little.

I so appreciated your perseverance and working with me to find adjustments in the orthotics you made. Each visit fine-tuned them so that gradually, every ache and pain I had as I reentered my beloved sport, disappeared.

None of my previous orthotics matched the quality and comfort of yours. I have now returned to running for an hour every day, and the lingering 15 pounds have melted off. I can’t tell you how glad I didn’t order them off the internet. If I had, I’m sure they would have joined my fabulous collection of atrophied others.

Thanks so much again for your expertise, time and patience!

Sincerely,

Ellen Jaffe Jones

I have just had my fastest 5K (in a triathlon no less) since starting racing again three years ago after not racing for 12 years. The improved efficiency has made a measurable difference in my running speed. Not only has my speed increased, but my Achilles tendon, which I hurt in February, has recovered with no indication of going out again!

Terry Stegner

Golfers overcoming injury, reducing pain, improving game

In recent years I have been plagued by back problems that have gotten progressively worse.  The problems had gotten to the point where there was continuous pain in the lower right back and buttocks, back spasms, back and neck stiffness, and some degree of numbness in the right leg.  I play a lot of golf and love to compete in tournaments throughout Florida and sometimes out of state.  These back issues were severely affecting my level of play as well as my ability to play multiple days in a row.  Frequently the pain would reach levels that made it impossible to play for days at a time and made even the simplest everyday activities a chore.

Over the last few years I have been to my family doctor, chiropractor, neurosurgeon, physical therapists, had a spinal injection, and do daily stretching and strengthening exercises, but still the pain and stiffness persisted.  I would have brief periods of relief but they were short lived.  I didn’t see much hope in the way of a more lasting remedy.

I received my orthotics in April and started wearing them with guarded optimism given my recent history of medical futility.  I immediately noticed a sensation of feeling taller and was aware of an improved posture.  Within a few weeks of getting them I traveled to Richmond, Virginia to play in a golf tournament.  With practice and tournament rounds, I played five days in a row, all the while walking the hilly golf course each day.  I had been worried that as in recent multiday tournaments I could possibly be hurting so bad that I wouldn’t even be able to play.  But I experienced only minor discomfort over the five days and was able to perform well enough to win my division.  Needless to say I was happier than I've been in a long time believing that perhaps this was finally the answer I had been searching for.

That was three months ago and since that time I have noticed my body going through some transitions and definitely feel stronger than I have in years.  I have played in five other tournaments over this period with no major problems or any episodes of intense pain.  I noticed that I am hitting the ball farther off the tee as I am able to swing with less restriction and better posture and am highly confident that my physical condition will only continue to improve.

Rick Powers

I really wasn’t sure it would make a difference in how I walk, how it would give me better balance, how it was going to make those back aches disappear, and how it would give me more pleasure on the golf course.  In fact, I really doubted it would make a significant change in my walking, and comfort level.

I have my second pair of orthotics, when Dr. Levine first suggested I try them, I was hesitant, they cost a great deal of money, but it was the right decision, it has made such a difference, I wear them 95% of the day.  Without them my legs get very tired and uncomfortable, I may never get to have the golf score I dream of, I did get a hole in one, and I can enjoy biking, walking and swimming.

Physically, Dr. Levine says I no longer have one leg longer than the other, my hips, my spine are all in better alignment.  I continue to see him to check the orthotics, when I feel there is a change I can call immediately.  I love how he was able to convince me to take this step, I appreciate his continued concern.

If you question the need when Dr. Levine suggests trying orthotics, I recommend you take his advice.  You must make a commitment to follow his instructions, it takes a little time but when your feet become accustomed to them, you will find a big difference and will be very happy you took his advice.

Barbara Sparar

Dear Dr. Levine,

Thank you so much for my two pairs of orthotics.  I really wanted to write this letter because you have helped me so much – not only has my back pain improved, but my golf game as well!

During the last four years I have had three back surgeries and have been on serious medication.  I'm an avid golfer and have not been able to play my best because of the constant pain.  I've been playing golf 2-3 times a week and have maintained a 17-19 handicap for the last five years.

After wearing my orthotics for two months, I decided to try them in my golf shoes because they had interchangeable insoles.  The day I happened to play a good round of golf and shot an 86.

Being a student of golf, the basics of any good golf swing is balance and repetition.  Without proper balance, repetition is virtually impossible.  I realized that while wearing my orthotics I am able to stand in a consistent, comfortable position.  My balance seemed more normal as I addressed the ball.  

Anyway, to make a long story shorter, I lowered my handicap by six strokes in five weeks!  I didn’t even buy a $400 driver or a $300 putter – the only difference in my game of golf was that I was wearing my orthotics.

I've also been able to decrease my medication.  So Thank you, Dr. Levine not just for my back, but for the rebirth of my golf game!

Sincerely,
Charles Stanley

Dear Dr. Levine,
At age 65 I’m finally back to running again after a 20 year layoff due to chronic lower back pain. Your treatment with Orthotics gave me back one of my greatest joys in life----running!!! Prior to your treatment I would suffer severe lower back pain after jogging less than a mile. Now I am able to run three miles several times per week without any pain. I am currently training for an upcoming triathlon and I hope to increase my running to about five miles several days per week.

I must admit that I was skeptical, but your optimism convinces me to give your treatment a try. I have absolutely no regrets. In fact, I am immensely grateful to you for giving me back this very important part of my life!!

Sincerely,
Leo Garcia
Tampa, Fl.

Dear Dr. Levine and Dr. Feulner:

As part of my fitness program, I have been running 3 to 9 miles per day for two years.

About six months ago, I developed severe debilitating left hip pain that caused me to limp when I walked. However, as a runner, I do not give up too easily and I continued running despite my pain, until I could no longer run.
In fact, I could barely walk; finally, I had to stop for about a month.

When I resumed, I had to run at a slower, less efficient level due to my fear the condition would worsen. It was at that time that I was referred to your office.

I must first commend your office staff as they not only got me an appointment within a short period, but were very warm and welcoming to me as well.
During my first appointment, I was thoroughly evaluated and you spent a great deal of time explaining everything to me. I was fitted (casted) for orthotics and asked to return when they were finished.

Once I received the orthotics, a break in period was explained to me. In the beginning, they felt foreign to me, but I persisted in wearing them in my running shoes as my long term goal was to be pain free and “balanced” in order to continue running at the pace I am accustomed to.

Today, I am not only pain free, but I am also able to run more proficiently and I no longer fear the return of my pain.

I highly recommend your orthotics and your services, as you are very knowledgeable in your field. I cannot thank you both enough for everything.

Debbie Lipkin

Dear Dr Levine,

I want to take this time to write you and than you for the inserts you created for me. After I had knee surgery I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that I would not be able to run again. I had tried everything to enable me to run again and was about to give up with I was given your name.

I started using the inserts you created for me in my running shoes and I was amazed that not only could I run again but as my knee got stronger, I was running as fast or faster than I was before the injury! I am now looking forward to running the Disney marathon which is something I was told I would never be able to do again.

I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to run again. Running has been a part of my life and you have given me my life back.

Sincerely,
B. Welter