Will going completely barefoot cure injuries?
As a Movement Therapist and Coach, I know that there are many many benefits to going completely barefoot. I’ve witnessed it with clients and have experienced it in my life. One of the most common questions I receive is will going completely barefoot cure injuries?
A slow healthy barefoot transition can help with many pain and injury complaints, but It will NOT however magically cure you of all your injuries. This idea is a falsehood that really needs to stop being spouted. It’s dangerous advice to follow and it’s just plain wrong.
In fact, transitioning into a barefoot lifestyle after many years in shoes has many inherent risks and can be equally if not more problematic. I see just as many, if not more, injuries from people transitioning to barefoot/minimalist as I do with those who are exclusively shod.
I encourage all of my clients to slowly explore a more and more barefoot experience. There is value to spending quality time exploring the world barefoot. I teach them to listen to what their body tells them through movement. And I don’t drive a hard line ideology that being barefoot is THE WAY. It is not for everyone. But everyone CAN gain benefit from spending at least a little time barefoot each day.
Looking for another great barefoot resource? Check out Katy Bowman’s blog and read her books. Or better yet, schedule a free consultation with me.