Root To Rise

Flat Feet Aren't All the Same: What Your Foot Type Really Means | #24

Root To Rise

Show Notes

In this in-depth solo episode, Dr. Emily Splichal tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in foot health: flat feet. Rather than treating flat feet as a single condition, Dr. Emily explains why the term itself is misleading and why understanding pronation, stability, timing, and foot type is essential for preventing pain and improving long-term movement health. You'll learn how foot mechanics influence everything from knee alignment and pelvic position to low back pain, fatigue, and injury risk. This episode offers a clear, practical framework for identifying flexible vs. rigid flat feet, distinguishing muscle weakness from ligament laxity, and choosing the right combination of strengthening, support, and footwear for both adults and children. Key Takeaways Why not all flat feet are the same and why classification matters How foot motion directly affects knees, hips, pelvis, spine, and posture When foot exercises can help (and when they can't change arch shape) How to approach flat feet in children without over-correcting too early Resources & Links Website & Virtual Consultations: https://thefunctionalfootdoc.com Instagram: @thefunctionalfootdoc Powerstep Arch Supports (Adults & Kids): https://powerstep.com NOBOSO Sensory Insoles: https://noboso.com Foot Wedges & Felt Pads: https://hapad.com

More from Root To Rise

Oct 22, 2026

What happens when sound becomes something you feel? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes Barbara Depta of Resync Your Body to explore vibroacoustics—the experience of sound through vibration—and its place in conversations about body awareness, relaxation, and recovery. Barbara shares her approach to combining movement, breathwork, and sensory experiences, including her vibroacoustic chair. Together, they discuss the relationship between sensation and presence, why recovery deserves space in our daily lives, and how we can become more attentive to what our bodies are telling us. Tune in for a conversation about sound, fascia, and reconnecting with your body. Subscribe to Root to Rise for more conversations on sensory intelligence, movement longevity, and what it means to feel alive. To learn more about Resync Your body - www.resyncyourbody.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm

Oct 13, 2026

What if understanding healing starts with understanding the body's own capacity for change? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes back Dr. Sean Drake to explore energy—from cellular processes to our everyday experience of vitality, movement, and connection. Together, they unpack the idea that "you are the modality," exploring how breath, movement, and nervous system awareness fit into a broader approach to health. They also discuss tools Dr. Drake incorporates into his practice, including PEMF, and how he thinks about their role alongside the body's own healing processes. A conversation about curiosity, participation, and what it means to take an active role in your health. Learn more about Dr Sean at: www.moderneathlete.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm 🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More: New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

Sep 30, 2026

What if bone health deserves a bigger place in the longevity conversation? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily welcomes Rebekah Rotstein, founder of Buff Bones®, to explore bone health beyond the density score. Together, they discuss strength, balance, movement, and the importance of building confidence in your body as you age. From osteoporosis to the connection between feet and whole-body stability, this conversation explores what it means to build a resilient foundation for lifelong movement—and why caring for your bones is an investment in your future independence. Connect with Buff Bones®: Instagram: @gotbuffbones⁠ Website: www.buff-bones.com⁠ 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm

Sep 24, 2026

Foot pain isn't always a sign of weakness. Sometimes, it's a sign that your foot is being asked to handle more load than it currently has the capacity to manage. In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal breaks down the concept of the overloaded arch and why strengthening alone may not be the answer. Dr Emily explores how repetitive stress, footwear, movement patterns, tissue capacity, and sensory input influence the way the foot absorbs and responds to load. Learn how to recognize when an arch is overloaded, why pain can be a signal to change the way we're loading the body, and how to build greater foot resilience without simply adding more support. Because a strong foot isn't one that never experiences stress — it's one that can sense, adapt, and respond to it. 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm

Sep 18, 2026

What really goes into bringing a movie like Stupid Shoes to life? In this episode, I sit down with Dee Libine the producer of Stupid Shoes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the making of the film, the story that inspired it, the challenges of production, and what it takes to turn an idea into a finished movie. We talk about the creative process, memorable moments from the set, the people who helped make the film happen, and what audiences can expect from Stupid Shoes. 🎬 A candid conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and the journey behind Stupid Shoes. What the trailer of Stupid Shoes https://youtu.be/CFCT1IqsVmc?si=-HJNExEpYcTTlrlr Learn more about Stupid Shoes movie - www.stupidshoesmovie.com

See all episodes →