Success in Elimanating Long Term Pain

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 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 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

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

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

I’ve had foot and leg pain since I was a little kid. It had become such an “expected” part of my life that I never thought of getting rid of it. I just figured I would suffer the whole way through. I had tried orthotics before and they certainly helped but nothing actually fixed the problem of intense pain every time I stood for any period of time.

To make matters worse, I chose a part of my professional like to become a workshop facilitator. This required that I stand on my feet all day long, sometimes for three to five days on end. I used to soak my feet in the tub in my hotel room every night, knowing the pain would only be worse the next day. More importantly to me, I found it virtually impossible to just stand in one place and talk—I was more comfortable in a state of constant motion to relieve the strain. I always this robbed my presentation style of some of the power I wanted to deliver.

Then I met Dr. Bob Levine! The first time I tried on the orthotics he made for me, my response was, “you’ve got to be kidding!!” I knew it was impossible for me to ever walk comfortably with those things in my shoes! A week later, I began singing a different tune. Now I never put shoes on without my orthotics in them. I can stand for days at a time with no pain, no cramps and no need to constantly keep moving. I seem to be using my bones to keep me upright, rather than my muscles and tendons. After only about a month of wearing the orthotics daily I facilitated a corporate workshop for five straight days. During that time I experienced no pain in my feet and legs and didn’t soak them even once!. After 50 years of pain this was remarkable!

Myron Finley

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)

As a 10 year old child I had foot problems. They were called “flat feet” which also rolled in at the ankle. Doctors told me to roll my feet over a round object and to not go upstairs on my toes, but my feet still hurt.

At the age of 21, I went into the military. The doctors there put heavy steel shanks, Thomas heels and metatarsal bars in my shoes. This action helped me but my feet still hurt. When I was about 40 and still in the military, they made me leather orthotics then fiberglass orthotics. My foot condition worsened gradually until age 73 I could hardly walk.

I found a foot doctor who felt he had the answer. His treatment was to give shots in the feet and new plastic orthotics. After about one year of this treatment I was nearer to the “no walking” point than I had ever been. Next a man who made braces and sold shoes sold me on the idea of special shoes with new full length orthotics. After one week of his treatment I had to have help just to get around, even at home.

It was then that a friend referred me to his friend, who in turn had me contact his brother, John Feulner. John examined my feet, asked me many questions and genuinely listened to my story. He then introduced me to Dr. Levine who after viewing x-rays and watching me walk, identified the problem. New orthotics were hand made and it was suggested that I get a new pair of New Balance shoes, model 925 which are designed for over-pronated feet.

After three weeks of wearing the new orthotic and shoes, most of my foot pain was gone! After a minor adjustment to the orthotic and an additional four weeks 95% of the pain was gone. I can walk, go to the store and stand for a much longer period of time than I had previously been able to endure.

With the special shoes, plus the attention and expertise and knowledge of Dr. Levine and John’s ability to measure and manufacture a proper orthotic to fit my needs, my problems have been brought under control and hopefully the pain will be completely eliminated as treatment continues.

Howard Vendrick

My feet have been my real problem since an early unsuccessful hammertoe operation at a very young age. My shoes always needed some sort of an orthotic and the callous build up was a constant problem.

I first started seeing Dr. Levine about 5 years ago. I had continuous neruomas and the injections that were administered rarely were effective. Upon my first visit Dr. Levine made my new orthotics. I had gradual relief and he continued to adjust them so that eventually I became continually more comfortable. I have had no pain from the neuromas ever since. I do realize the callous problem at this stage is partly the result of the lack of a fat pad, but I truly know that my ability to walk is the result of the orthotics Dr. Levine adjusted and perfected.

Ruth Lea

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

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