I was introduced to MBT shoes 10 years ago in Zurich when Dr. Carl Muller came to the hospital where I was working at the time and gave a presentation. My initial scepticism was replaced by my deep interest after I saw some MRI scan pictures of Achilles tendon before and after the use of MBT and an explanation of the results. For me the penny dropped that day regarding, in my opinion the major causes of Achilles tendon problems and other ankle and knee pathologies and the best way to treat them and assure a permanent result.
Walking on flat man-made surfaces is not what our bodies were designed to walk on. Continuous walking on flat hard and even ground actually robs us of the benefits gained from walking on natural surfaces such as grass and sand. Less muscles in the ankle, leg and buttock (muscle chain) are active and this can lead to a weakness in the neglected muscles and to anoverload of the “working units”. Also with fewer muscles working in harmony the joint ability to re-absorb shocks is reduced and this can lead to joint and back pain.
MBT shoes are supplied with a sensor which is specially designed to recreate the sensation of walking on an unstable surface, and most of all allow us to use the forefoot more actively in the push off action. This results in an increased activity of muscles (especially toes foot and thigh) which are usually neglected. Carefully building up the “training time” allows weaker muscles to strengthen and overloaded ones to regenerate. A better muscle balance improves stability and co-ordination of the joints and a better re-absorption of the shocks help joints to be protected against factors which are recognised to promote Osteoarthritis (studies are available on this matter).
In fact research shows that MBTs boost muscle activity when standing by an impressive
38% in your lower leg
27% in your thighs
and 28% in those all important bum muscles!
MBTs also improve core stability (those hard to reach deep down abdominal muscles that Pilates targets) as your body constantly works to maintain its natural postural balance and stand tall. By walking more upright, pressure on the spine is decreased, joints are strengthened, blood and lymph circulation is boosted and also the internal organs like lungs and bowels work better.
Basically we could say than every time we wear a pair of MBTs is the equivalent of a mini workout for the body. Whether we are a regular exerciser or just walk to work, MBTs uneven walking surface tones and strengthens your muscles from the minute we put on a pair enabling us to do a more natural movement pattern engaging more muscles in a more effective way and burning more calories and visibly toning the body.
CAN MBTs CAUSE ANY DAMAGE?
I think there is potential for MBTs to cause some problems due to the nature itself of making the ground “uneven”. There are conditions which are unsuitable for MBTs like instability of the joints and balance problems but even in these cases with a professional help and supervision the danger can be reduced and in fact MBTs can become a great rehab tool!
Last summer an article appeared accusing MBTs to be potentially dangerous and causing knee and low back pain by people with a predisposition to hyper mobility. I do not doubt for a second that this can happen but … only if the person did not receipt proper “training” when he or she bought the shoes.
The point is that MBTs AREN’T normal shoes; that’s why you want them! They are physiological shoe wear and can be an excellent rehab and helping tool for many conditions but you need to get used to walking with them and you need somebody to teach you how. I f you walked with a very peculiar style for years it comes as no surprise that your body will need instruction and time to adapt to the new possibilities.
As a physiotherapist I am trained to recognise movement patterns and pathologies, I can ask specific questions regarding operations or symptoms and most importantly I am able to give the proper specific training and suggestions to the client and correct potentially damaging movements, This enables the new MBT wearer to get the most out of these fantastic shoes and to feel confident transforming walking with MBTs in a whole new and exciting experience.
Many shops now stock and sell MBTs because it’s a good seller.At Swissphysio we stock MBT shoes because as a physiotherapist I recognise and appreciate the benefits they bring to people with and without musculo skeletal and neurological problems. For this reason we invest time with every client to make sure that everyone gets the most benefit out of the MBTs and avoid any potential misuse which could lead to damages.
Coming back to the title; I am convinced that MBT shoes are very good, very comfortable and a great help for health, fitness and beauty. This is not just a trend. To get the most out of them make sure you get your pair from a professional.
Swissphysio team is here to help you. Just call us and arrange an appointment to try them on. You will love them. 0191 296 0567 or email angela@swissphysio.co.uk
I personally wear MBT shoes and have done for 10 years at work and for leisure. I still wear my stiletto like tango dancing shoes when I dance so I am not completely addicted but I definitely love my MBTs for long walks on holidays discovering new cities of for shopping trips or standing watching a match..
Angela Petrocchi