Testimonials

These are just a small sampling of what our patients are telling us about the results they get from wearing these unique new custom orthotic arch supports we make ourselves:

Runners & Athletes

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
06/15/2007

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
03/12/2006

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

I came to Dr. Levine’s office 10 months ago on the recommendations of my daughter (Kiley’s) pediatrician. We brought her in to have her foot checked. I felt it seemed “off” a bit. Turned out she needed orthotics.

I had myself evaluated too because I was waking up in pain every morning. I’m 42 and a runner. This pain was interfering with my workouts significantly. Dr. Levine prepared orthotics for me (I have fallen arches). I have used them as prescribed since my diagnosis and can honestly say I have no pain when I get up in the morning and have been able to run 15-20 miles a week. I’m thrilled about that.

I also wish to comment on Dr. Levine’s passion about what he does and how orthotics can improve a number of ailments (I also had hip pain which has subsided). He really takes the time to sit and educate patients on his process. I feel he takes a very thorough, measured approach to his practice.
Sincerely,
Mark C. Ondash
08/10/2006

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.
09/01/07

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.
01/07/2008

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
November 16, 2005

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
19 Sept. ‘05

Pain

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.
03/28/0

Hi Dr. Levine,
Remember I said I wanted to be in your book of success stories? Well guess what? I have been pain free for the last couple months. I started running again and have basically worked through the Achilles pain by doing the stretching you recommended. I didn’t want to jump the gun until I had enough history behind me to be sure of my recovery. I have been running about three days a week doing three to four miles. I did my first 5K yesterday and had a PR of 32:41, not bad for 55 years old. Anyway, I cannot thank you enough for getting me cured of my plantar fascitis that I suffered with for over one year. You were right in all of your advice and treatment. Patience was the main thing once we got the orthotics corrected and abstinence from running. I think you are a fantastic Podiatrist and will recommend you to anyone I encounter who needs one. Thank you so much for your patience, compassion and care. My compliments to Christie, she was always so pleasant and that is so important in an office!

Sincerely,
Marcia Miller
St. Petersburg, Fl.
07/17/07

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
October 24, 2005

Dear Doctor Levine,

I usually do not write letters of commendation to professionals. However when someone can relieve my foot and leg pain as quickly as you did I believe you deserve a note of thanks.

As you know I came to your office after seeing two other well respected DPM’s. One of them insisted I come see you since you had worked wonders on his own adult son’s feet! I was in a lot of pain. I travel often and have to walk a lot. It was becoming almost debilitating.

Within an hour of our meeting I had two sets of orthotics which you and John had made for me and I walked out feeling a bit sore but able to walk. Within a week my feet were almost normal. Now I return to your office for modifications to the orthotics in order to continually adjust them to the changes in my posture.

You are so right when you describe how much better we feel when our “foundation” is properly aligned.

John is a professional and conveys his knowledge in a low key and very pleasant way.

Many thanks too, to Jennifer and Julie. What a friendly and efficient team they are! It is actually a pleasure to visit your office.

Thank you again.

E L. Weston
12/07/0

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
10-26-05

September 20, 2005

My name is Sue Beecham, and I am originally from Okemos, Michigan. In Michigan, the summer of 2003, I was going to a foot doctor because of the pains in my feet, knees and hip. He wanted to do surgery on my foot and remove a nerve and take care of a bunion that was growing. Eventually he said, I would need to have my knee taken care of and then probably my hip. I told him I would think about it, but first I had an appointment with my Rheumatology doctor. He suggested that before I had the surgery, to find a good foot doctor. I told him, who I was seeing and he said “I said a good foot doctor, not a good surgeon”. I was leaving for Florida the end of September , so I went back to my foot surgeon and told him I wasn’t going to have the surgery before I went to Florida. He told me that by the time I came back in the spring I would come crawling in begging him to do the surgery because the pain would only get worse.

A while after I had been in Florida about a month, one of my friends told me that a foot doctor was coming to the Club House to give a talk, so I went. He was Dr. Robert Levine of Florida BioMechanics Group. It was like listening to my Rheumatology doctor all over again. What did I have to lose- so I made an appointment. He it is 2005 and I am rid of the knee and hip pain caused by just needing a correction in my feet. I never did go back to the foot surgeon in Michigan. It is really amazing what can happen when you take care of the feet.

PS. And find a good foot doctor

Sue Beecham

Before getting the orthotics put in my shoes, my back was hurting so much that I could not run without severe back pain. After getting my orthotics put in my shoes for one month I am now able to run with no pain in my back and it’s the best my back has felt in years!

Thanks for fixing my back. I would of never thought it was my feet causing my back pain.

Tim Caulo
9-29-05

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

Dr. Levine urged me to have orthotics made for my very, very, very flat feet, claiming that they would help my knees which were painful and my lower back as well. I am glad I listened to him, because everything he said came true and I am on my 3rd pair of orthotics, which I keep permanently in my shoes.

Thank you Florida Biomechanics Group.
J. Machbitz

My name is Joanne. I work at a spa and my feet ached from being on them all day. After suffering for many months, I finally came to see Dr Levine. We discovered that the shoes I was wearing were all wrong for me. After correcting the shoes I wear and (using) the orthotics made especially for my feet, I am pain – free. It sure is a joy to walk without pain!

Joanne Kotarski

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.

I had knee and hip pain. I also had right shoulder pain. Dr. Levine told me he would help my knee and hip pain and possibly my shoulder pain. Well, thanks to him I am pain free at all points!

James D. S.
5/11/05

In recent years, I have been experiencing pain which I attributed to past injuries throughout several areas of my body. After meeting with Dr. Levine about the pain in my feet and Achilles tendonitis, he suggested (foot) orthotics, claiming that their support would help to straighten out my body and fix some of my aches.

In less than four months, a large percentage of my back pain has left and I no longer experience any pain in my knees. My feet and ankles are on the mend and for the first time in two years I can stand or walk all day without discomfort. Thank you Florida BioMechanics Group!

Daryl Hill

Dear Dr. Levine,

I want to thank you for your patience in getting me back to wanting to walk due to my now being pain free! You worked very hard to get me comfortable using my “old” orthotics before suggesting that I try your new orthotics. You did not pressure me and let it be my decision as to how long I wanted to have my hip, back and foot pain.

Now with the new orthotics and the new sturdy walking shoes I am now pain free and can walk for hours. (you know I love to walk at Disney). It is now a joy to get up in the morning.

I would also like to thank Dr. John, Jennifer and Lee for their encouragement and help to make me pain free.

Sincerely,

Wanda J. B.

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
9/12/05