How do we help flat-footed children restore foot arches without relying on insoles?
by KJ Yeow May 22, 2024
The common solution for flat feet is to use insoles or shoe inserts to support the foot arch, our approach is distinct. Through a tailored gait re-training program, we guide children in learning to engage and strengthen their foot arch muscles.
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Instead of depending on insoles, we employ a gait retraining method that focuses on the landing and push off of the foot so that the children know how to restore their foot arches using their muscle strength.
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By prioritizing the awakening of the intuitive proprioception (spatial sense of body part position), muscle activation and muscle strengthening, our gait re-training protocol promotes the long-term restoration of the foot arch naturally without the need for supportive orthoses.
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With dedication and consistent practice, children can learn to rely on their innate muscle strength to support their arches and achieve optimal foot health.
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Our innovative Children Flat Feet Restoration Program - Kau’s Method Flat Feet Gait Re-Training empowers kids to restore their foot arch using their muscles, eliminating the need for insoles.
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Kau’s Method Gait Re-Training is designed by our Founder and also the Chief Rehabilitation Engineer - Yeow who has 11 years of practice and is double certified in Biomedical Engineering (P&O UM) and Exercise Therapy (NASM CPT USA).
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We encourage growing children to rely on their muscle strength for walking, fostering independence and promoting natural heel-to-toe walking mechanics. You’ll witness an instant result on how your kid’s flattened foot arches can be restored to standard arched feet at a sitting position using their foot arch muscles.
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Over the past 12 months, we've successfully guided over 1,000 kids through our program, teaching them to walk with proper arch support through a series of six (6) progressive stages:
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Stage 1: Sitting Mode (Static)
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Children develop arch awareness without gravity's influence, a crucial first step in the restoration process.
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Stage 2: Standing Mode (Static + Gravity Influence)
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Kids learn to activate and strengthen their arch muscles while bearing their weight, building on their static arch awareness.
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Stage 3: Walking Mode (Dynamic + Gravity + Slow Speed)
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Children practice walking with engaged arch muscles under the influence of gravity, reinforcing proper heel-to-toe mechanics.
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Stage 4: Squatting Mode (Multi-joint dynamic + Gravity + Slow Speed)
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Dynamic squatting exercises further enhance arch muscle strength and stability.
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Stage 5: Jumping Mode (Multi-joint dynamic + Gravity + Fast Speed)
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Kids solidify their arch muscle memory through dynamic jumping exercises, ensuring subconscious engagement during daily activities.
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Stage 6: Running Mode (Multi-joint dynamic + Gravity + Fast Speed)
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The final stage focuses on running with a properly arched foot, further ingraining proper heel-to-toe mechanics.
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For children with mild arch flattening conditions, our gait re-training program can typically be completed within a month, consisting of approximately 4 sessions. Severe cases may require more than a month and more than 5 sessions for effective results.
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Many parents are unaware that foot arches can be restored through gait re-training, and many rumours are claiming that flat feet have no cure. How is it possible that SpineCare Engineering claims they can restore foot arches without using insoles or arch support? What's the secret?
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Parents often have questions about our background, treatment method & effectiveness, and we're here to address some of the most common ones:
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1) Are you a chiropractor or physiotherapist?
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No, we're not chiropractors or physiotherapists. Our expertise lies in Movement Science also known as Biomechanics.
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2) How effective is the flat feet gait re-training program?
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Our is effective as long as these factors are taken care of
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a) Flexibility of the ankle joints: Our non-invasive gait re-training protocol is most effective when applied to children with flexible ankle joints. While children with semi-rigid ankle joints may require more effort and time to achieve similar results, our program can still offer significant benefits.
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b) Ability to learn and apply: Learning to restore foot arch involves both understanding the instruction being communicated and applying the specific techniques taught by the trainers.
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While some children may grasp concepts easily, others may struggle to consistently apply them in their daily routines. Our team is committed to supporting each child throughout their journey, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
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c) Willingness to learn: Success in restoring foot arch hinges on a child's motivation and willingness to learn. Children and parents who actively participate and engage with the program typically experience better outcomes.
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3) I'm worried that my kid can't follow the gait re-training program. How can you help us?
We understand your concern. To ensure your child's success, we provide access to a comprehensive set of gait re-training tutorial videos through our dedicated app. These videos are designed for easy access and unlimited revision during the duration of the program. We aim to make the learning process as accessible and effective as possible for both children and parents.
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4) I don’t know whether my kid is doing it correctly. How can I find out?
Monitoring your child's progress is crucial, and we've made it easy for you. Simply record your child's practice sessions at home and upload the videos to our app. Our team of experienced consultants and trainers will carefully review each video, providing personalized feedback and guidance to ensure your child is on the right track.
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5) You have 20 gait re-training tutorial videos. Does my kid need to do all of them?
Every child is unique, and their needs may vary. After an initial physical session, our experts will assess your child's condition and determine which gait re-training tutorials are most relevant to your child’s specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that your child receives the most effective and targeted guidance throughout the gait re-training program.
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6) Your program is for kids aged 7 and above, but my child is only 5. Is it too early for the program?
While our program is primarily designed for children aged 7 and above, younger children who demonstrate the ability to follow instructions may also benefit by the gait re-training program.
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Factors such as the severity of the condition and your child's ability to engage with the program will be taken into consideration. Our goal is to provide tailored support and guidance to children of all ages, helping them achieve optimal foot health and mobility.
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We believe every child deserves to experience the joy of a carefree childhood, just like what you did. We are here to help you to improve your child’s gait and aim to make childhood excitement a permanent gift.
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We hope these answers address your concerns and provide clarity on our approach to flat-foot correction. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via WhatsApp at 012-6865664.