Ironman and Marathon Success Stories

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

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

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 Carroll

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.

Dr. Levine,

I just wanted to give you an update on my progress. As you know, when I first came to see you in October 2007 I was dealing with pretty severe, constant pain in my hamstrings, with additional knee and hip problems on my left side. At that point I had been dealing with constant pain for at least 4 months and nothing was helping-not massages, trips to the Chiropractor, ice, heat etc…

With every visit we talked of my goals for finishing an Ironman. You always joked with me and said that you were not sure if I had an Ironman in me—or that we didn’t know what my new ceiling was going to be. Well I’m very proud to say I HAVE AN IRONMAN IN ME!!  And while I put in the hours and hours of training to finish, you gave me the tools to fix what was wrong. I know for a fact that I couldn’t have trained like I did if you had not given me the orthotics that helped correct my stride and balance. I rarely have any pain now and when I do, it is so slight that I don’t really pay attention to it.

And you’ll enjoy this, when I got off the bike after 112 miles I felt some pain in my hamstring. Instead of being worried about the upcoming marathon, I thought to myself, “it’s ok. I’m going to put my running shoes on and it will work itself out.” And that is exactly what happened. And the best thing is I finished my Ironman feeling strong and with NO pain!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

So, I’m wondering…if now we know I have an Ironman in me, maybe a double or triple is where my ceiling is??

Thanks so much!!!
Tammy Wonning
Ironman Arizona-finisher 04/13/2008

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