Foot health is the pinnacle of how we move and perform in our daily activities. Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist, has dedicated her career to uncovering how our feet influence our entire kinetic chain. Her research, education, and clinical experience demonstrate how proper foot function is a foundation for optimal movement patterns, balance, and athletic performance.
The connection between foot health and overall wellness has long been overlooked. Still, it has gained significant attention in recent years, with research highlighting how compromised foot function can lead to compensatory patterns throughout the body. As athletes and fitness enthusiasts seek ways to enhance their performance and prevent injury, understanding foot mechanics and sensory stimulation has become of utmost importance for achieving optimal results.
Dr. Emily Splichal
Dr. Emily’s path to becoming a leading voice in podiatric medicine began with her experience as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She established the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine by combining her medical expertise with practical fitness applications. Her approach integrates traditional podiatric treatments with cutting-edge regenerative techniques, focusing on treating root causes of issues rather than symptoms.
This unique perspective led her to create Naboso, a line of proprioceptive products designed to enhance foot awareness and stimulation. The name, meaning “barefoot” in Czech, reflects her dedication to creating healthy feet that function well and allow us to move through life optimally. Alongside her clinical practice, Dr. Splichal developed comprehensive education programs offering continuing education credits (CECs) for fitness professionals, bridging the gap between medical knowledge and practical application.
Resources for Health and Wellness Professionals
Fitness Professionals can access Dr. Splichal’s expertise through various education pathways. Her Foot Posture Specialist Certification and Neurosensory Specialist Certification are just two educational opportunities for trainers and coaches to capitalize on. Among her free YouTube Webinars, at-home programs, and blogs, these programs cover topics such as barefoot training principles, foot function, and movement assessment techniques. These education opportunities provide practical tools for trainers to integrate foot health awareness into their client programs, and some provide valuable CECs.
The Naboso product line includes textured mats, insoles, socks, tools, and accessories, among other foot health products meant to stimulate the nervous system and enhance movement. Dr. Emily advises trainers to maintain authenticity in their approach while staying grounded in scientific principles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how foot mechanics influence movement patterns, enabling trainers to create more effective, personalized programs for their clients.
Her best piece of advice was always to find balance and prioritize moderation. As Dr. Emily shared, do your foot exercises, AND wear the Manolo Blahniks if they make you feel fabulous! But, also, seriously, do your foot exercises after you ditch the Manolos.
Final Thoughts
Small adjustments in foot awareness and function can create major improvements throughout the entire body and movement patterns. Dr. Splichal’s work demonstrates how paying attention to this ofter-overlooked foundation can unlock new levels of movement efficiency, performance enhancement, and may even cure pain and dysfunction within the kinetic chain.
By applying scientific rigor to barefoot training principles, she has helped create a framework for trainers and clients to understand and improve their movement patterns from the ground up. This approach to foot health exemplifies how specialized knowledge, when properly shared and applied, can advance the entire fitness industry.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
