I am 38 years old and was in very good health except for my severe lower back problems. About three years ago, I was seriously considering life-changing back surgery because I could no longer handle the constant and excruciatingly severe pain in my lower back caused by a herniated disc and several degenerative discs. I wanted to avoid the surgery at all costs because of all the negative things I had heard about back surgery and what I had witnessed personally from friends and relatives who had elected to have back surgery, but I was literally at the end of my rope.

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Dr. Levine and the orthotic inserts he manufactures before I went under the knife and it simply changed my life.

I flew into Tampa from my home in Mandeville, Louisiana and Dr. Levine saw me in his office during the day….by that same evening, I was wearing my orthotics. The very next day, my mother-in-law and I took my children for a daylong trip to Busch Gardens. Normally, any extended amount of time spent walking around, etc. would have had me in sheer agony but Dr. Levine’s orthotics had alleviated all of the severe symptoms of my chronic lower back problem. Over time, my condition improved to the point where I was playing golf again and, most importantly, living a normal life without the risks and side-effects of major back surgery.

On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated southeast Louisiana and the eastern Gulf Coast. My home in Mandeville, Louisiana sustained severe structural damage as a result of the storm –18 of our trees (mostly very large pine trees) were felled by Katrina and no less than six of them were inside the house to varying degrees. Those initial months after the storm were very trying both emotionally and physically with all the cleanup and repair work that needed to be done. However, my back was able to stand up to all the intense physical labor as well as the emotional stress that comes along with such a natural disaster and our house is 100% back to normal. Had I not been under Dr. Levine’s care I cannot see how I would have been able to physically make it through such an ordeal. Like said before, the orthotics Dr. Levine produces simply changed my life and I can never thank him enough for what he has given back to me.

Thank You So Much My Man!

Dear Dr. Levine and Dr. Feulner:

As part of my fitness program, I have been running 3 to 9 miles per day for two years.

About six months ago, I developed severe debilitating left hip pain that caused me to limp when I walked. However, as a runner, I do not give up too easily and I continued running despite my pain, until I could no longer run.
In fact, I could barely walk; finally, I had to stop for about a month.

When I resumed, I had to run at a slower, less efficient level due to my fear the condition would worsen. It was at that time that I was referred to your office.

I must first commend your office staff as they not only got me an appointment within a short period, but were very warm and welcoming to me as well.
During my first appointment, I was thoroughly evaluated and you spent a great deal of time explaining everything to me. I was fitted (casted) for orthotics and asked to return when they were finished.

Once I received the orthotics, a break in period was explained to me. In the beginning, they felt foreign to me, but I persisted in wearing them in my running shoes as my long term goal was to be pain free and “balanced” in order to continue running at the pace I am accustomed to.

Today, I am not only pain free, but I am also able to run more proficiently and I no longer fear the return of my pain.

I highly recommend your orthotics and your services, as you are very knowledgeable in your field. I cannot thank you both enough for everything.

Debbie Lipkin
October 24, 2005

Dear Doctor Levine,

I usually do not write letters of commendation to professionals. However when someone can relieve my foot and leg pain as quickly as you did I believe you deserve a note of thanks.

As you know I came to your office after seeing two other well respected DPM’s. One of them insisted I come see you since you had worked wonders on his own adult son’s feet! I was in a lot of pain. I travel often and have to walk a lot. It was becoming almost debilitating.

Within an hour of our meeting I had two sets of orthotics which you and John had made for me and I walked out feeling a bit sore but able to walk. Within a week my feet were almost normal. Now I return to your office for modifications to the orthotics in order to continually adjust them to the changes in my posture.

You are so right when you describe how much better we feel when our “foundation” is properly aligned.

John is a professional and conveys his knowledge in a low key and very pleasant way.

Many thanks too, to Jennifer and Julie. What a friendly and efficient team they are! It is actually a pleasure to visit your office.

Thank you again.

E L. Weston
12/07/05

Dear Dr. Levine,

I just wanted to drop a short line to thank you for the wonderful orthotics and giving me my running life back.

As I told you during our first appointment, I had been an avid runner in my twenties and thirties. I ran 3-4 miles a day and felt it kept me in great shape. Following the birth of my children, I abandoned running for too many misconceptions…mainly that it caused long-term injuries. Recently, I read several books that corrected those misconceptions. I have learned that women can run healthfully until a ripe old age.

I always believed that along with a good diet, there was nothing better than running for keeping the weight off. Over the years, I had a collection or orthotics to deal with flat feet and a persistent knee pain. After moving to Florida, the running bug bit me again. But I had countless false starts as I tried to do too much too soon, with too little.

I so appreciated your perseverance and working with me to find adjustments in the orthotics you made. Each visit fine-tuned them so that gradually, every ache and pain I had as I reentered my beloved sport, disappeared.

None of my previous orthotics matched the quality and comfort of yours. I have now returned to running for an hour every day, and the lingering 15 pounds have melted off. I can’t tell you how glad I didn’t order them off the internet. If I had, I’m sure they would have joined my fabulous collection of atrophied others.

Thanks so much again for your expertise, time and patience!

Sincerely,

Ellen Jaffe Jones
November 16, 2005

I was in pain for the last 25 years suffering from low back pain. I was unable to participate in any active sport activity except on a very limited basis during this depressive period of my life. I was becoming a couch potato, irritable, fat and ugly.

I had been treated by the medical profession for my low back pain receiving massages, heat and cold treatments for relief. They were temporary in nature and resulted in depression and an anxiety state of mind.

When my wonderful wife convinced me to see here Podiatrist, Dr. Levine, approximately five years ago for a foot problem, a minor miracle happened when my foot problem was treated successfully by an orthotics appliance which was measured and prescribed by Dr. Levine. My back and foot problems disappeared following a few months of treatment. In fact, I ordered a second pair of Dr. Levine’s orthotics inserts which I use exclusively for my golf shoes. I now participate actively and regularly in golfing and bowling to my heart’s content.

I am a 78 year old male adult, diabetic with high blood pressure enjoying the great life of a 50 year old retiree living in the state of Florida.

I strongly urge anyone suffering from low back pain to have Dr. Levine treat them for this condition as they may lessen their low back pain as the result of a foot problem as was in my case.

P.S. I made my first hole-in-one on a 171 yard hole this past February 6, 2005

Edmund J. Pritz
10-26-05

September 20, 2005

My name is Sue Beecham, and I am originally from Okemos, Michigan. In Michigan, the summer of 2003, I was going to a foot doctor because of the pains in my feet, knees and hip. He wanted to do surgery on my foot and remove a nerve and take care of a bunion that was growing. Eventually he said, I would need to have my knee taken care of and then probably my hip. I told him I would think about it, but first I had an appointment with my Rheumatology doctor. He suggested that before I had the surgery, to find a good foot doctor. I told him, who I was seeing and he said “I said a good foot doctor, not a good surgeon”. I was leaving for Florida the end of September , so I went back to my foot surgeon and told him I wasn’t going to have the surgery before I went to Florida. He told me that by the time I came back in the spring I would come crawling in begging him to do the surgery because the pain would only get worse.

A while after I had been in Florida about a month, one of my friends told me that a foot doctor was coming to the Club House to give a talk, so I went. He was Dr. Robert Levine of Florida BioMechanics Group. It was like listening to my Rheumatology doctor all over again. What did I have to lose- so I made an appointment. He it is 2005 and I am rid of the knee and hip pain caused by just needing a correction in my feet. I never did go back to the foot surgeon in Michigan. It is really amazing what can happen when you take care of the feet.

PS. And find a good foot doctor

Sue Beecham

I have just had my fastest 5K (in a triathlon no less) since starting racing again three years ago after not racing for 12 years. The improved efficiency has made a measurable difference in my running speed. Not only has my speed increased, but my Achilles tendon, which I hurt in February, has recovered with no indication of going out again!

Terry Stegner
19 Sept. ‘05

Before getting the orthotics put in my shoes, my back was hurting so much that I could not run without severe back pain. After getting my orthotics put in my shoes for one month I am now able to run with no pain in my back and it’s the best my back has felt in years!

Thanks for fixing my back. I would of never thought it was my feet causing my back pain.

Tim Caulo
9-29-05

Dear Dr Levine,

I want to take this time to write you and than you for the inserts you created for me. After I had knee surgery I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that I would not be able to run again. I had tried everything to enable me to run again and was about to give up with I was given your name.

I started using the inserts you created for me in my running shoes and I was amazed that not only could I run again but as my knee got stronger, I was running as fast or faster than I was before the injury! I am now looking forward to running the Disney marathon which is something I was told I would never be able to do again.

I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to run again. Running has been a part of my life and you have given me my life back.

Sincerely,
B. Welter

Dr. Levine urged me to have orthotics made for my very, very, very flat feet, claiming that they would help my knees which were painful and my lower back as well. I am glad I listened to him, because everything he said came true and I am on my 3rd pair of orthotics, which I keep permanently in my shoes.

Thank you Florida Biomechanics Group.
J. Machbitz

My name is Joanne. I work at a spa and my feet ached from being on them all day. After suffering for many months, I finally came to see Dr Levine. We discovered that the shoes I was wearing were all wrong for me. After correcting the shoes I wear and (using) the orthotics made especially for my feet, I am pain – free. It sure is a joy to walk without pain!

Joanne Kotarski

Dear Dr. Levine,

I would like to tell you about the positive results we have achieved through your Biomechanics program. My mother, Leona , first began with your office approximately eight months ago. In May 2004 she had a stroke which affected her whole body. Through your diligence and attentiveness she has made great strides in her over all health.

When she first came to you she had many physical complaints, the most painful being constant headaches. I am pleased to say that after she received her custom made arch supports, she has not had any physical discomforts and not one headache since December, 2004.

Your staff is friendly gracious and knowledgeable, making our appointments a pleasure. My mom looks forward to seeing smiling familiar people that are ready to assist. Once again thanks to everyone for a wonderful experience! I am very grateful that you have given her many pain-free years to enjoy!

Linda H.
Largo Florida

I would like to thank Dr. Robert Levine and his entire team for improving my comfort of life by allowing me to walk again without pain.

In 1999 I had an operation for severe Hallux Rigidus and throughout the years after (the operation), the pain (in my foot) got to the point where I had to adjust my body (mechanics) when walking, which actually caused back pain as well.

With the effort and experience of Dr.Levine and staff I was fitted with corrective shoe inserts (arch supports) and had follow-up visits to actually learn to walk again. It has been only 45 days now, and not only can I walk without pain, I can run and do the normal daily activities of life.

Thank You Dr. Levine and Staff

Don. W .,
Gulfport, Florida

My name is Donna and I’m a 39 year old pregnant woman who came to the Florida Biomechanics Group seeking help for severe heel pain in my right foot that radiated up to my calf muscle. This is my fourth child and I have experienced foot pain before with my other pregnancies and thought this was something I needed to learn to live with.

The initial (taping) treatment caused the heel pain to go away which pleased me very much. We then discussed the possibility of making custom orthotics to continue with healing process. I agreed because I didn’t want to deal with that pain again. After wearing the orthotics for a few weeks I noticed less pain in both my feet and less tenderness after walking all day.

But the real surprise came when I went to my brother-in-laws wedding and had to wear my fancy and dreaded dress shoes. To my surprise and delight I realized that I kept my shoes on all day with no pain, blisters or sore feet at the end of the day.

Am I happy with these orthotics? Yes very much so. I truly believe that they have changed my feet and life for the better. I know I can wear just about any type of shoes without carrying band-aids. This was all done to my absolute delight without injections or surgery.

I am truly grateful to Dr. Levine and the staff at Florida Biomechanics Group for giving me my walking feet back.

Sincerely,

Donna D.

I had knee and hip pain. I also had right shoulder pain. Dr. Levine told me he would help my knee and hip pain and possibly my shoulder pain. Well, thanks to him I am pain free at all points!

James D. S.
5/11/05

In recent years, I have been experiencing pain which I attributed to past injuries throughout several areas of my body. After meeting with Dr. Levine about the pain in my feet and Achilles tendonitis, he suggested (foot) orthotics, claiming that their support would help to straighten out my body and fix some of my aches.

In less than four months, a large percentage of my back pain has left and I no longer experience any pain in my knees. My feet and ankles are on the mend and for the first time in two years I can stand or walk all day without discomfort. Thank you Florida BioMechanics Group!

Daryl Hill

Dear Dr. Levine,

I want to thank you for your patience in getting me back to wanting to walk due to my now being pain free! You worked very hard to get me comfortable using my “old” orthotics before suggesting that I try your new orthotics. You did not pressure me and let it be my decision as to how long I wanted to have my hip, back and foot pain.

Now with the new orthotics and the new sturdy walking shoes I am now pain free and can walk for hours. (you know I love to walk at Disney). It is now a joy to get up in the morning.

I would also like to thank Dr. John, Jennifer and Lee for their encouragement and help to make me pain free.

Sincerely,

Wanda J. B.

Dr. Levine,

When I was in high school, I had two surgeries on my left foot. By the time I was 19, I could hardly walk. At the end of the day, after work, I was done for the day. Dr. Levine’s (old arch support) company made me a pair of orthotics and they seemed to work ok (but I still had discomfort). So I went to see Dr. Levine and we tried to make them work over many appointments (with minimal success).

Finally, we decided to mold my feet for new ones (arch supports now made in house). After only one visit in four months, I feel amazing! I can walk with out pain and can work an eight hour shift at work. It has changed my life.

Jennifer Dimaggio
9/12/05