Interview with Biomechanical podiatrist
Ramsay Sloss
Interview with Biomechanical Podiatrist Ramsay Sloss: Please see related testimonial from Elzbieta Wronecka
Que: Ramsay I am aware you are a GB Masters Athlete. What does this involve?
R: I have experience running in races from 60m to the marathon, but I currently compete in the 200m and hope to be attending the world indoor championships in Torun, Poland which was the venue for my 3rd European gold relay Medal in 2015 and outdoor masters championship in Pescara Italy in late September. My experience of travelling to various events all over the world is the facilities are excellent.
Que: How do you get selected?
R: Basically, any masters athlete (over 35) can enter and compete against other athletes in the same 5 year age bracket but for the relay it’s down to timed performances at championship events. I’ve had many successes and was part of a team that broke the 4x200m world record in Germany in 2004. Equally I have lost out on selection by 1000ths of a second but that’s sports, small margins make the difference.
Que: Do you treat any athletes
R: Yes at Balanced we have a masters F55+ athlete who is on the balanced video’s at reception. It is just as rewarding however to treat non-athletes or non-elite athletes. That person deserves the same care and attention as their problem is just as important to them as it is to the elite athlete.
Q So what do you do with people who have foot issues?
R: I give them the best analysis I can. One piece of equipment I use is a pressure plate which allows me to look at balance, posture, distribution of weight and stress in joints. The other is an insole system which is one of the latest developments in technology (www.podosmart.tech)
It is like looking inside someone’s shoe to see what’s going on, rather than just relying on looking at how someone walks from the outside or by video on a treadmill, plus it is possible to analyse someone’s walking or running outside in a natural environment rather than being confined to an indoors Lab or clinic. Clients who come usually have an idea what’s wrong with them if they have come from another physician, so arrive with expectations. My experience over 45 years of practice has taught me to listen and how to explain what to do in a way that builds confidence, as it may not be in line with the persons initial expectations.
Q: Typically, how long would it take to get someone from pain to pain-free
R: Wow that’s a question! Some people could have a chronic condition that has lasted for years. The treatment can sometimes however be quick if somewhere down the line something has been missed along the way. It can be like turning a light on. I look at the information the client comes with and the path they have been going down. I look for gaps or alternative routes to the aim rather than trudge over the same ground that has already been covered. It also depends on the persons adaptability to stress. How well can a client cope with a new plan, a change to their program. If they can cope physically, mentally and emotionally then they have a better chance to improve quickly. My philosophy is and always has been I don’t treat the condition the client has I treat the client the condition has chosen.
Q: It sounds like biomechanics podiatry is more than an insole in a shoe
R: Yes, again I treat the condition but decide what the person can cope with. I wouldn’t give a steroid injection to someone nervous of needles. My tool chest is large and allows me to have many options to go with my experience. What I do is very high tech driven but the most important tools any clinician can use are the seven basic things everyone has (Your eyes ears brain and hands) Listen see feel hear and touch is how I approach each person
Ramsay Sloss is available at Henderson Row Tuesdays 10-6.
Call Balanced 0131 315 3105 to book or to arrange a free 10min chat with Ramsey prior to booking.
Insurance clients also accepted.
Or book online at www.balancededinburgh.co.uk