Human Locomotion
About Us
About Dr. Michaud
Since graduating from Western States Chiropractic College in the early 80s, Dr. Tom Michaud has published numerous book chapters and over 50 journal articles on subjects ranging from biomechanics of the first ray, to the pathomechanics of vertebral artery dissections. He has also served on the editorial review board of several chiropractic and podiatric journals.
In the early nineties, Williams and Wilkins published Dr. Michaud’s first textbook, Foot Orthoses and Other Forms of Conservative Foot Care, which was eventually translated into four languages. His next book, Human Locomotion: The Conservative Management of Gait-Related Disorders, which was published in 2012, is used in physical therapy, chiropractic, pedorthic, and podiatry schools around the world. In addition to technical books, Tom also published a book for recreational runners: Injury-Free Running: How to Build Strength, Improve Form, and Treat/Prevent Injuries, now in its second edition.
During his 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Michaud designed and patented numerous diagnostic tools and exercise products to help with the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of sports injuries. Since his recent retirement from clinical practice, Tom is devoting his time to researching, writing, and designing new products in order to develop evidence-based evaluation and treatment protocols that can assist in not just the prevention of sports injuries, but also in ways to stay fit as we age.
Real People. Real Results
“I started using the ToePro about two years ago at the recommendation of my chiropractor, John Ball. When I first started using the device, I could feel it target very specific muscles in my arches and legs, and knew it was going to be helpful. I highly recommend this device, not just for improving running performance, but also for preventing injuries.“
“Simplistic genius! The ToePro is incredibly easy to use and my athletes love it. I’m always surprised how many high-level athletes present with toe weakness, and how much they improve after using the ToePro. I wish I started using it sooner!“
RESEARCH
Monthly Research Articles
Interesting Articles
Sventeckis A, et al. Cross-sectional size, shape, and estimated strength of the tibia, fibula and second metatarsal in female collegiate-level cross-country runners and soccer players. Bone. 2024 Aug 9:117233.
This simple study has huge implications for managing tibial stress fractures in young running athletes. The authors performed a cross-sectional study comparing differences in size, shape, and strength of the tibia, fibula, and second metatarsal shaft in 16 collegiate...
Hayman O, et al. Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and neuromuscular function in older adults. Current Opinion in Clin Nutrition & Metabolic Care. 2024 Jul 23:10-97.
The authors begin this paper by pointing out that by the year 2050, there will be 2.1 billion people over the age of 60. Unfortunately, as many as 27% of older adults will be classified as having sarcopenia, which greatly increases the risk of falls, hospitalizations,...
Naruse M, et al. Human skeletal muscle-specific atrophy with aging: a comprehensive review. J Applied Phys. 2023; 134:900.
This is an excellent review of the literature where the authors evaluated the natural decline in muscle mass associated with aging. The authors reviewed 47 studies in which CTs, MRIs, and/or ultrasound devices were used to measure muscle volume in an accumulated total...
Imai T, et al. Acute Effects of Handheld Vibration Massage on Posterior Shoulder Soft Tissues. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2024;19:1003.
In this simple study, the authors applied five minutes of focal muscle vibration to the shoulder external rotators and evaluated the range of motion pre-and post-vibration. In just five minutes, shoulder internal rotation using the behind the back reach test increased...