Meet Dr. Emily Splichal: a functional podiatry pioneer
Dr. Emily Splichal stands at the forefront of a paradigm shift in how we understand and approach movement. As a distinguished functional podiatrist and movement specialist, she has dedicated her career to unraveling the intricate connections between our feet, our bodies, and our overall health. Moving beyond the traditional scope of podiatry, Dr. Splichal champions a holistic, science-driven methodology that emphasizes the profound impact of foot function on everything from athletic performance to daily well-being. Her expertise, honed through years of practice and extensive global teaching, positions her as a true pioneer in the field, inspiring professionals and individuals alike to reconsider their relationship with movement and the foundational role of their feet.
What is functional podiatry?
Functional podiatry, as envisioned and practiced by Dr. Emily Splichal, represents a significant departure from conventional approaches. Instead of solely focusing on symptom management or the prescription of passive interventions like orthotics or surgery, functional podiatry delves into the why behind movement dysfunction. It’s a system that examines how the feet interact with the ground and how this interaction dictates the entire kinetic chain, from the ankles and knees to the hips and spine. This approach prioritizes understanding and improving the body’s innate ability to move efficiently and effectively. Dr. Splichal’s work highlights that by optimizing foot function, we can address a wide array of musculoskeletal issues and enhance overall physical capabilities, making it a cornerstone of proactive health and injury prevention.
The science behind barefoot training
The science underpinning barefoot training, a core tenet of Dr. Emily Splichal’s philosophy, reveals the remarkable capabilities of the human foot when allowed to function naturally. For millennia, human feet evolved to interact directly with varied terrains, developing a sophisticated network of nerves, muscles, and bones designed for sensory feedback and adaptive movement. Modern footwear, while offering protection, often insulates the feet from crucial sensory input. Dr. Splichal’s research and advocacy for barefoot training underscore its role in strengthening intrinsic foot muscles, improving balance, enhancing proprioception (the body’s awareness of its position in space), and promoting more efficient gait patterns. By reconnecting with the ground, we reawaken these natural mechanisms, leading to improved foot health, reduced risk of injury, and a more robust foundation for all human movement.
Movement isn’t mechanical — it’s sensory
Naboso technology: harnessing the hidden strength within your feet
Naboso technology, a groundbreaking innovation spearheaded by Dr. Emily Splichal, is designed to reawaken and amplify the sensory feedback from the feet. The name „Naboso” itself, meaning „barefoot” in Portuguese, hints at its core philosophy: to leverage the power of sensory stimulation for enhanced movement and overall health. Unlike conventional products that might cushion or support, Naboso’s textured surfaces are engineered to activate the nerve endings in the soles of the feet. This targeted sensory input sends crucial information to the brain, improving motor control, balance, and proprioception. By consciously engaging these receptors, Naboso products, such as their popular textured mats (available in various sizes, e.g., 24″ x 48″ for $79.99, and 30″ x 60″ for $99.99), help individuals tap into the „hidden strength” of their feet, leading to more efficient movement patterns and a stronger connection between the brain and the body.
The brain-body connection and human movement
Dr. Emily Splichal consistently emphasizes that human movement is fundamentally a sensory experience, intricately linked to the brain-body connection. This perspective challenges the purely mechanical view of the body, highlighting instead the critical role of sensory input in dictating how we move. Our feet, equipped with a dense concentration of nerve endings, act as sophisticated sensory organs, constantly relaying information about the surface beneath us, our body’s position, and the forces we are encountering. This data is processed by the brain, which then orchestrates appropriate muscle activation and movement responses. When this sensory pathway is compromised – often due to footwear or a sedentary lifestyle – our motor patterns can become inefficient, increasing the risk of injury and limiting our physical potential. Dr. Splichal’s work, including her book „Sensory Sapiens”, illuminates how restoring and enhancing this sensory communication is key to optimizing human movement and overall neurological health.
Dr. Emily Splichal: your movement longevity doc
Foot function and injury prevention
Dr. Emily Splichal’s approach to movement longevity is deeply rooted in the principle that optimal foot function is paramount for injury prevention. She posits that many common injuries, from plantar fasciitis to knee pain and even back issues, can often be traced back to compromised foot mechanics. By treating the feet as the foundation of the entire body, Dr. Splichal advocates for strengthening, stabilizing, and enhancing the sensory feedback of the feet. This proactive strategy moves beyond simply treating existing injuries; it focuses on building resilience from the ground up. Her work with both elite athletes and active agers demonstrates how improving foot health can significantly reduce the likelihood of future injuries, allowing individuals to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle for longer, thus contributing directly to their „movement longevity.”
Founding the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy
The establishment of the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy (EBFA Global) by Dr. Emily Splichal represents a pivotal step in her mission to elevate the understanding and application of movement science. Recognizing a critical need for professionals to be equipped with the latest scientific research and practical skills, EBFA Global provides comprehensive education and certification programs. These programs delve into areas such as barefoot science, sensory training, and functional anatomy, empowering personal trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other fitness professionals with the knowledge to implement Dr. Splichal’s innovative methodologies. By fostering a community of evidence-based practitioners, the academy aims to standardize best practices, promote effective rehabilitation, and ultimately improve the health and performance outcomes for clients worldwide, solidifying Dr. Splichal’s role as a transformative educator.
Root to rise: exploring the future of how we move
Proprioceptive products for enhanced performance
The future of human movement, as envisioned by Dr. Emily Splichal, is deeply intertwined with the intelligent use of proprioceptive products designed to enhance performance and well-being. These are not simply accessories, but tools that actively engage the body’s sensory systems. Building upon the principles of Naboso technology, these products are engineered to provide specific tactile input that stimulates the nerves in the feet and hands, thereby improving balance, coordination, and motor control. For instance, Naboso’s Performance Mat (priced at $129.99 for a 24″ x 72″ size) offers a more intense sensory experience, ideal for athletes looking to refine their movement patterns and increase their power output. By consciously enhancing proprioception, individuals can unlock new levels of athletic achievement and improve their overall movement efficiency, embodying the „Root to Rise” philosophy of building a strong, connected foundation for peak performance.
Education and entrepreneurship in the fitness industry
Dr. Emily Splichal is not only a visionary scientist but also a powerful advocate for education and entrepreneurship within the fitness industry, particularly championing female leadership. Her extensive experience teaching in over 35 countries and to more than 20,000 professionals globally underscores her commitment to disseminating knowledge and empowering others. Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Splichal has successfully built and scaled her own entrepreneurial ventures, including Naboso and EBFA Global. She actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing her insights on innovation, business development, and the importance of a science-backed approach. Her journey, from a career pivot to becoming a globally recognized expert, serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and a commitment to evidence-based practices can lead to significant impact and success in the dynamic world of fitness and movement science.
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