Quality of Life has improved for these individuals!
Allow me to answer the “million dollar” question that may ultimately cross your mind at any moment as you read this success story---No, I am not being held at gunpoint, I am not being paid, nor was I persuaded in any way to write this letter. Quite the opposite in fact. I am sincerely more than willing to share my personal success story involving Dr. Robert Levine and the Florida Biomechanics Group. At the age of 19, I’d lost over 110lbs. Most of my success at the time was due to a newly active lifestyle. As a daily routine, my exercise of choice was to run. I’m 32 now. After years of enjoying my passion for running I was very much dis-heartened to wake up in the mornings with aches and pains in both of my feet. Did I strain a muscle? A Tendon? Surely it must just be a bad pair of shoes. After all I was only 29 years old. Little did I know this seemingly insignificant distraction was the beginning of what would turn out to be a fight to save my enthusiasm, my joy and my passion. Over the course of the next 3 years I educated myself with reading materials on the subject of Biomechanics. I made appointments with a slew of doctors whose specialty and expertise was solely in the area of foot pain. I was willing to spend any amount of money and I was willing to follow any diagnosis short of surgery. I was so disappointed that nothing and no one seemed to have the answers that my body was searching for. Here’s what was suggested----------and here’s what I tried: (some of these were on going treatments for years)
. Reflexology (foot massage)
. Electrical therapy
. Light wave therapy
. Physical therapy
. Sound wave therapy
. Hot soaks/cold soaks
. The Graston Technique
. Root orthotics (Root being the “founding father” of shoe orthotics)
. Cortisone shots
. B-12 shots
. Walking boots
. Crutches
. Oral steroids
. Ointments and crèmes
. NSAIDS
. Daily stretching
. A closet full of new shoes
Although some of the above provided relief for a day or two, none of them got to the heart of the matter. That’s when I met Dr. Robert Levine and the Florida Biomechanics Group. His office was a good 45 minutes to an hour for me to commute too---and for this reason I almost dismissed going to see him. Another doctor, another suggestion……..another waste of time for sure. Much to my surprise, he was able to give me a new perspective on his profession within minutes of entering the room on the very 1st appointment. His explanations, experience and expertise helped me to understand why my feet were experiencing pain. There is much more to this story but all you need to know for sure is this….Within one week of wearing a pair of orthotics that were made by his group, there was an undeniable change in the way my feet had felt in years. Within 3 months I am 99.99% totally back to normal. I have noticed a total decrease in fatigue throughout my working day. My knees, my back and my mind is young and free again. I have also learned one valuable lesson that I feel inclined to share with you. From my experiences, there appear to be many “self-proclaimed” experts in the area of foot restoration and care. I am truly thankful that during my long 3 year trial, I was eventually able to meet a “real life” expert right here in my local area. Thanks Dr. Levine always.
Respectfully,
Andrew Alfonso
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 am 38 years old and was in very good health except for my severe lower back problems. About three years ago, I was seriously considering life-changing back surgery because I could no longer handle the constant and excruciatingly severe pain in my lower back caused by a herniated disc and several degenerative discs. I wanted to avoid the surgery at all costs because of all the negative things I had heard about back surgery and what I had witnessed personally from friends and relatives who had elected to have back surgery, but I was literally at the end of my rope.
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Dr. Levine and the orthotic inserts he manufactures before I went under the knife and it simply changed my life.
I flew into Tampa from my home in Mandeville, Louisiana and Dr. Levine saw me in his office during the day….by that same evening, I was wearing my orthotics. The very next day, my mother-in-law and I took my children for a daylong trip to Busch Gardens. Normally, any extended amount of time spent walking around, etc. would have had me in sheer agony but Dr. Levine’s orthotics had alleviated all of the severe symptoms of my chronic lower back problem. Over time, my condition improved to the point where I was playing golf again and, most importantly, living a normal life without the risks and side-effects of major back surgery.
On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated southeast Louisiana and the eastern Gulf Coast. My home in Mandeville, Louisiana sustained severe structural damage as a result of the storm –18 of our trees (mostly very large pine trees) were felled by Katrina and no less than six of them were inside the house to varying degrees. Those initial months after the storm were very trying both emotionally and physically with all the cleanup and repair work that needed to be done. However, my back was able to stand up to all the intense physical labor as well as the emotional stress that comes along with such a natural disaster and our house is 100% back to normal. Had I not been under Dr. Levine’s care I cannot see how I would have been able to physically make it through such an ordeal. Like said before, the orthotics Dr. Levine produces simply changed my life and I can never thank him enough for what he has given back to me.
Tommy Sandoz
Dear Dr. Levine:
I was experiencing pain in my feet, knees and hips for a long time. I was fitted with orthotics in Massachusetts but they did not help much.
When I came here for the winter season I went to a Chiropractic Internist in palm Harbor whom I had been to before. She suggested that I visit you and have you evaluate my problem.
I was never aware that there was any procedure in our health system using biomechanics adjustments to the body by the use of orthotics for the feet such as your practice.
My first visit with you was most impressive, by virtue of your knowledge of the body and its functions, in relation to the feet. I was never aware that the feet had such a profound effect on the body.
After viewing the way I walked, you diagnosed that my hips were not level in a horizontal plain, my feet were rolling and I was walking like a duck. Also that the orthotics I was wearing were not adjusted properly.
Subsequent adjustments to these orthotics diminished my aches and pains to zero.
These orthotics were not very good quality, thus they did not hold these adjustments very long.
I had you and John, your associate make me a new pair of high quality orthotics in your on-site lab, to the exact requirements of my feet. With some small subsequent adjustments they have resolved my problems and given me a greater quality of life and have held the adjustments for the past year.
I am forever grateful to the caring, personal attention and professionalism of you and your staff in resolving my problems. You may display this letter as you wish.
Sincerely
Thomas Bittelari
Colonel, AUS, (retired)
I have been unable to walk without limping for about a year. Treatment by an orthopedist with cortisone shots did not help, neither did acupuncture. Finally while purchasing a pair of sneakers I was directed by the saleswoman to Dr. Levine.
At my first visit Dr. Levine diagnosed my problem as heel spurs, taped my foot after taking a mold for arch supports and instructed me to do exercises daily.
I wore my supports faithfully, never walked barefoot and gave up all high heels, this was worth the price of being pain free.
Now it is three years later, my feet are perfectly healed and I no longer wear arch supports except for long distance walking. Happiness is wearing pretty shoes again!
Pauline Monize
Dr. Levine changed my life!! I was a crossing guard for a number of years and developed shin splints and tendonitis of both feet. My physician prescribed a foot cream and inflammation pills. I still had pain and could hardly walk until I came to see Dr. Levine. He made it possible for me to walk again.
He changed my life; he made it possible for me to enjoy walking again!!
Thank you, thank you,
Ann Chebuske
The orthotics made for me by Dr. Levine has greatly improved the quality of my life. Prior to visiting Dr. Levine I worked in retail management where I stood on hard floors up to seventy hours per week. Due to the constant and intense pain, I engaged the services of my first podiatrist who diagnosed me with plantar fascitis, heel spurs and neuromas. Treatment included ice therapy, taping, stretching, numerous cortisone injections, orthotics and eventually surgery. The end result was that I had to quit my profession of almost thirty years due to the pain level in my feet not being appreciably diminished. I became what depressed at the prospect of starting over at forty five and knowing I would always be limited in my activity level due to discomfort in my feet.
Dr Levine was recommended to me by my sister, and although I did not hold out much hope of any different results, I decided to give him a try. The first thing that really impressed me was that he took the time during our initial visit to really listen to me and explain things. Although the orthotics made by Dr. Levine was quite different from any others I had tried, and took a little time to adjust to, they have been well worth the effort. I have been in Dr. Levine’s orthotics approximately six months now. Yeah!!! Although I can not yet do physical activities at the level I once did, I am back to walking for exercise and go much farther without pain. Dr. Levine is confident I will continue to see improvements in my abilities, and I feel positive that with a little more time in these orthotics, I will be back to my old self!!!
Deb Sharkey
I cannot count the ways that my orthotics by Dr. Levine have improved the quality of my life! When I first came to Dr. Levine after having been to two other doctors, I had sciatica, TMJ, A neuroma, plantar fascitis, one hammertoe, right knee pain and back pain. I was hurting almost constantly. Dr. Levine cast my feet for the orthotics himself and spent much time explaining the theory and reasons for doing what he was doing. I have had 3 pairs of orthotics in the ensuing 10 years that I have been his project and each pair improved on the last. I no longer have the joint pain or the sciatica. The hammertoe has relaxed quite a bit and the TMJ no longer pops when I eat. The plantar fascitis is gone. He checks my walk every time I see him and listens carefully to any complaints I might have when making adjustments. The explanations are very thorough which I appreciate. I always know what to look for in the future. As an added bonus, I actually stand up straighter and sit taller than I ever have in my life. I would highly recommend Dr. Levine to anyone who wants to feel the best they possibly can!
Sincerely,
Clare Peacock
PS When my daughter went to Washington DC and had to walk an average of 5 miles a day to and from the metro, Dr. Levine worked with her during her vacation visits here and actually spoke with her long distance to get her over the hardest times. She had really let the pain build to a very high level. She is now pain free!!
Dear Dr. Levine,
Well it has been a year to the date from my first visit with you and I still cannot believe how I feel. I know the old adage is “thank you for saving my life” however, I must amend that for myself, to say “thank you for giving me a life”.
I had no idea of the pain and discomfort I had allowed myself to get used to. If you remember the day I got my orthotics, I stood in front of you and cried, as I had never known or experienced what it meant to be pain free. As I said, I had no idea the pain I lived with daily, until the pain was gone in a moment’s time with the orthotics.
Being a post polio patient, I know now, that being able to walk daily will increase my chances of prolonging any true handicap. My overall health is much better due to the ability to walk daily. Most importantly, I think, for my family, I am happier, much less tired and able to do things with them that I always put off because I “just couldn’t make it”.
As a nanny, this past year, I have been able to carry the babies on my hip without any pain. In fact, I no longer need chiropractic adjustments to my hip. At one time, I had to give up my job due to the damage it was causing carrying the babies around. No longer am I afraid of stairs or escalators because I now feel secure in my step. This past year, I was able to stand eight to twelve hours daily during the holidays, preparing the meals for the family I work for.
In a moment…YOU GAVE ME A LIFE that I had no idea was available to me. I don’t think there will ever be a way for me to repay you. I do pray daily for the lord to prosper your practice and endeavors to reach others with your wonderful gift and talent. I ask that HE return to you a hundred fold all the time, wisdom and Knowledge you have given to so many others and me.
Patsy Kaleel
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.
I am 54 years old and have had lower back herniated disk problems for about 30 years which made it painful to sit for long periods of time, left heavy objects or run. I have had to go regularly to the chiropractor for maintenance adjustments but my adjustments didn’t hold very long. I have had several episodes where I was bedridden for long periods of time.
I always felt like there was also a problem with my feet because one foot was a bit smaller than the other and I had a hitch in my stride.
I spent a lot of time finding the best shoes and insoles I could find for my feet. I also considered getting custom shoes since no commercial shoe really fit me well.
My Chiropractor recommended Dr. Levine to me as a foot doctor she thought could help me with custom orthotic arch supports and compliment her spine adjustments.
I got the orthotics two months ago and have had profound changes. I have more energy and sleep about 2 hours less per night. I have more energy at the end of the day and am working more hours. I am able to sit in my chair for long periods of time without discomfort. I need less exercise and stretching which I used to have to do a lot for maintenance to delay pain returning. Now walking feels like walking on air. Now my Chiropractor adjustments are holding longer and longer and I am doing much better. Now my shoes fit perfectly and I walk straight.
I think everyone in the world should have a custom pair of these orthotics. Give it two months and you will see a big change.
Sincerely,
Steve Littler
Dr. Levine,
Our son Dale, who is 13, has Cerebral Palsy along with other disabilities. Dale walks on his toes, and when tired, stumbles a lot. Sometimes his muscles just give out for no reason. We saw an orthopedic surgeon who suggested cutting his tendons in order to lengthen them, but could not guarantee that this would be “the cure”. This was not an option for Dale, who was 8, and I did not feel comfortable with that route for him.
Our family Chiropractor, Dr. Lisa’s Family Chiropractic, told me about Dr. Bob. We scheduled a visit and he suggested heel lifts, which immediately made a difference. As Dale got older, it became time to think about orthotics. The orthotics plus the heel lifts make the difference in Dale’s center of gravity. He still tried to walk on his toes, but with the heel lifts bringing up the rear, and the orthotics helping the arch, it keeps the toe walking to a minimum in tennis shoes. Dr. Bob is also knowledgeable in what shoe works, which is helpful since shoes are so expensive, and it is better to get the right pair the first time.
Dale is very active. He bikes, runs, plays basketball, scooters, swims, etc... His school has a walk-a-thon every year. All children partake, blind, autistic, cerebral palsy, and in wheelchair or not. Last year Dale did 43 laps and the year before it was 29 laps. I feel that if he did not have the orthotics, his quality of walking, running, balance and center of gravity would not be the same.
Thanks Dr. Bob for helping and being a friend to Dale
Dear Dr. John Feulner,
After going to 2 of your seminars, I was very impressed with the concept behind the orthotics and the way you do your impressions and why. But I thought you were NUTS when you told me the orthotics would help me with my back pain and also help me run again. (ha ha)
Dr. John, just as you said 2 days after I put the orthotics on, most of the pain was gone. After one week, no pain. Wait I am not finished. After two weeks wearing the Icon Orthotics I took my daughter to see a basketball game at her school and was asked to play! I did, I had no pain in my back, no leg pain and I was not out of breath and in my life that is amazing!!
Thank you
Joe Mentrie
Podiatry Assistant
MetroWest Foot and Ankle
I was in pain for the last 25 years suffering from low back pain. I was unable to participate in any active sport activity except on a very limited basis during this depressive period of my life. I was becoming a couch potato, irritable, fat and ugly.
I had been treated by the medical profession for my low back pain receiving massages, heat and cold treatments for relief. They were temporary in nature and resulted in depression and an anxiety state of mind.
When my wonderful wife convinced me to see here Podiatrist, Dr. Levine, approximately five years ago for a foot problem, a minor miracle happened when my foot problem was treated successfully by an orthotics appliance which was measured and prescribed by Dr. Levine. My back and foot problems disappeared following a few months of treatment. In fact, I ordered a second pair of Dr. Levine’s orthotics inserts which I use exclusively for my golf shoes. I now participate actively and regularly in golfing and bowling to my heart’s content.
I am a 78 year old male adult, diabetic with high blood pressure enjoying the great life of a 50 year old retiree living in the state of Florida.
I strongly urge anyone suffering from low back pain to have Dr. Levine treat them for this condition as they may lessen their low back pain as the result of a foot problem as was in my case.
P.S. I made my first hole-in-one on a 171 yard hole this past February 6, 2005
Edmund J. Pritz
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
Dear Dr. Levine,
I would like to tell you about the positive results we have achieved through your Biomechanics program. My mother, Leona , first began with your office approximately eight months ago. In May 2004 she had a stroke which affected her whole body. Through your diligence and attentiveness she has made great strides in her over all health.
When she first came to you she had many physical complaints, the most painful being constant headaches. I am pleased to say that after she received her custom made arch supports, she has not had any physical discomforts and not one headache since December, 2004.
Your staff is friendly gracious and knowledgeable, making our appointments a pleasure. My mom looks forward to seeing smiling familiar people that are ready to assist. Once again thanks to everyone for a wonderful experience! I am very grateful that you have given her many pain-free years to enjoy!
Linda H.
Largo Florida
I would like to thank Dr. Robert Levine and his entire team for improving my comfort of life by allowing me to walk again without pain.
In 1999 I had an operation for severe Hallux Rigidus and throughout the years after (the operation), the pain (in my foot) got to the point where I had to adjust my body (mechanics) when walking, which actually caused back pain as well.
With the effort and experience of Dr.Levine and staff I was fitted with corrective shoe inserts (arch supports) and had follow-up visits to actually learn to walk again. It has been only 45 days now, and not only can I walk without pain, I can run and do the normal daily activities of life.
Thank You Dr. Levine and Staff
Don. W .,
Gulfport, Florida
My name is Donna and I’m a 39 year old pregnant woman who came to the Florida Biomechanics Group seeking help for severe heel pain in my right foot that radiated up to my calf muscle. This is my fourth child and I have experienced foot pain before with my other pregnancies and thought this was something I needed to learn to live with.
The initial (taping) treatment caused the heel pain to go away which pleased me very much. We then discussed the possibility of making custom orthotics to continue with healing process. I agreed because I didn’t want to deal with that pain again. After wearing the orthotics for a few weeks I noticed less pain in both my feet and less tenderness after walking all day.
But the real surprise came when I went to my brother-in-laws wedding and had to wear my fancy and dreaded dress shoes. To my surprise and delight I realized that I kept my shoes on all day with no pain, blisters or sore feet at the end of the day.
Am I happy with these orthotics? Yes very much so. I truly believe that they have changed my feet and life for the better. I know I can wear just about any type of shoes without carrying band-aids. This was all done to my absolute delight without injections or surgery.
I am truly grateful to Dr. Levine and the staff at Florida Biomechanics Group for giving me my walking feet back.
Sincerely,
Donna D.
Dr. Levine,
When I was in high school, I had two surgeries on my left foot. By the time I was 19, I could hardly walk. At the end of the day, after work, I was done for the day. Dr. Levine’s (old arch support) company made me a pair of orthotics and they seemed to work ok (but I still had discomfort). So I went to see Dr. Levine and we tried to make them work over many appointments (with minimal success).
Finally, we decided to mold my feet for new ones (arch supports now made in house). After only one visit in four months, I feel amazing! I can walk with out pain and can work an eight hour shift at work. It has changed my life.
Jennifer Dimaggio
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