Who is Dr. Emily Splichal? A pioneer of the musculoskeletal system
Dr. Emily Splichal stands as a leading figure in the realm of movement science, recognized globally for her groundbreaking work as a functional podiatrist and movement specialist. With over two decades of dedicated experience, she has meticulously woven together the intricate threads of barefoot science, human performance, and neuroscience to forge a revolutionary understanding of how our bodies move. Her journey began long before her current prominence, with a foundational background in forensics, a discipline that instilled in her a keen eye for detail and a rigorous, analytical approach. This unique perspective allowed her to pivot into the fitness and wellness industry, where she has since become a trailblazer, driven by a profound mission to redefine human locomotion from the ground up. Dr. Splichal’s influence extends far beyond the clinical setting; she is an author, educator, and entrepreneur, consistently pushing the boundaries of what we understand about our musculoskeletal system and its profound connection to our overall health and longevity. Her commitment to science-backed methodologies and innovative solutions has positioned her as a true pioneer, inspiring countless individuals and professionals to re-evaluate their relationship with movement.
The founder of Naboso and her mission
At the heart of Dr. Emily Splichal’s entrepreneurial spirit lies Naboso, a company born from her deep-seated belief in the power of sensory input for optimal human movement and performance. As the visionary founder, Dr. Splichal’s mission is clear and ambitious: to fundamentally redefine how people move from the ground up, with a laser focus on achieving movement longevity. She recognized a critical gap in traditional approaches to fitness and rehabilitation – a tendency to overlook the vital role of sensory feedback from the feet. Naboso was established to address this oversight, developing a range of innovative, sensory-based products designed to stimulate the neural pathways in the feet. These products are not merely accessories; they are meticulously engineered tools aimed at enhancing proprioception, improving motor patterns, and ultimately, boosting overall function and performance. Dr. Splichal’s dedication to this mission is evident in every aspect of Naboso, from the rigorous scientific research underpinning its product development to the educational resources it provides to consumers and professionals alike.
A holistic approach to foot health and longevity
Dr. Emily Splichal champions a holistic, science-driven approach to foot health, viewing the feet not as isolated structures, but as integral components of the entire human kinetic chain. Her philosophy extends beyond merely treating foot ailments; it is deeply rooted in promoting movement longevity and enhancing overall well-being. This comprehensive perspective encompasses several key areas, including fascial fitness, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body’s connective tissues, and foot-to-core sequencing, highlighting the critical link between foot mechanics and the stability and power generated by the core. A cornerstone of her approach is barefoot stimulation, recognizing that direct sensory input from the ground is essential for developing robust motor patterns and maintaining optimal neurological function. Dr. Splichal also places significant emphasis on patient ownership and commitment in the recovery process, empowering individuals to actively participate in their healing journey. This integrated strategy, which she meticulously details in her works such as ‘Barefoot Strong’ and ‘Sensory Sapiens’, aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to proactively manage their foot health, prevent injuries, and unlock their full movement potential throughout their lives.
Movement is more than mechanics – it is sensory
Dr. Emily Splichal fundamentally challenges the conventional understanding of movement, asserting that it transcends mere mechanical processes and is, in fact, deeply rooted in sensory experience. This paradigm shift is central to her work, emphasizing that the intricate dance of our muscles and joints is orchestrated by a sophisticated interplay between the brain and the body, heavily influenced by the information received from our sensory receptors. She argues that by solely focusing on biomechanics without acknowledging the crucial role of sensation, we are missing a fundamental piece of the puzzle in optimizing human performance and preventing injuries. This perspective underscores the profound impact of our environment and our interactions with it on our ability to move effectively and efficiently.
The importance of the brain-body connection and barefoot science
The brain-body connection is a central tenet of Dr. Emily Splichal’s movement philosophy. She posits that our ability to move with grace, efficiency, and resilience is intrinsically linked to the quality of communication between our central nervous system and our peripheral systems, particularly our feet. This is where barefoot science plays a pivotal role. By going barefoot, or by utilizing sensory-stimulating footwear, we allow for direct and unadulterated sensory input from the ground. This input, rich with information about texture, pressure, and temperature, is crucial for developing accurate motor patterns and maintaining balance. Dr. Splichal’s research highlights that these sensory signals are not merely passive feedback; they actively inform and refine our motor control, contributing to better posture, enhanced athletic performance, and a reduced risk of injury. Neglecting this sensory aspect, she argues, can lead to compromised movement strategies and a diminished capacity for the body to adapt and thrive.
Naboso products: sensitization for better function
In line with her philosophy that #LifeIsSensory, Dr. Emily Splichal developed Naboso products to directly address the need for enhanced sensory stimulation in human movement. These innovative products are meticulously designed to stimulate the nerves in the feet, thereby improving the brain-body connection and leading to better function. For instance, the Naboso Neuro Mats, measuring approximately 20 inches by 15 inches and often priced around $79.99, are a prime example. These mats feature a unique texture designed to provide targeted sensory input, promoting increased awareness of the feet and their position in space. Similarly, Naboso insoles, such as the Naboso Pro Insoles (often found for around $59.99), are engineered with specific patterns and densities to enhance proprioception. By increasing the density and texture of the sole, these insoles encourage a more robust neural response, which can translate to improved balance, gait, and overall motor control. The aim is to create a more responsive and dynamic foundation for movement, ultimately leading to enhanced performance and a reduced susceptibility to injuries.
Dr. Emily Splichal’s influence on the fitness industry
Dr. Emily Splichal has undeniably left an indelible mark on the fitness industry, acting as a catalyst for change and innovation. Her work has not only introduced novel scientific concepts but has also inspired a new generation of professionals to adopt a more holistic and sensorially-aware approach to training and rehabilitation. She has consistently pushed the envelope, challenging established norms and advocating for evidence-based practices that prioritize the intricate relationship between the body, the brain, and the environment. Her influence is felt across various facets of the industry, from individual training methodologies to broader discussions on leadership and entrepreneurship.
Trailblazer in fitness: women in leadership and entrepreneurship
Dr. Emily Splichal is a recognized force for women’s leadership and entrepreneurship within the fitness and wellness sectors. In an industry that has historically seen male dominance in certain leadership roles, she has emerged as a prominent and influential figure, demonstrating exceptional vision, innovation, and business acumen. Her success in founding and growing Naboso and EBFA Global serves as a powerful testament to what women can achieve in entrepreneurship. She not only excels in her scientific and clinical endeavors but also actively contributes to fostering environments where other women can thrive and lead. Her journey exemplifies the spirit of a true trailblazer, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female leaders and innovators in the field of human movement and health.
‘Root to Rise’ podcast and ‘Barefoot Strong’
The reach of Dr. Emily Splichal’s influence is amplified through her engaging podcast, ‘Root to Rise’, and her impactful book, ‘Barefoot Strong’. The ‘Root to Rise’ podcast delves into the profound power of connection, starting from the ground up, exploring how optimizing our foundation can lead to profound improvements in all aspects of life. It serves as a platform where Dr. Splichal, alongside various guests, discusses topics ranging from foot health and sensory input to brain-body connection and overall well-being. Complementing this auditory exploration is her book, ‘Barefoot Strong’, which meticulously details her philosophy on barefoot science, human movement, and injury prevention. In ‘Barefoot Strong’, she provides practical insights and actionable strategies, empowering readers to understand and improve their posture and performance by harnessing the innate power of their feet. These two mediums, the podcast and the book, work synergistically to educate and inspire a global audience about the transformative potential of a holistic approach to movement.
Scientific insights for injury prevention and performance
Dr. Emily Splichal’s work is underpinned by a deep commitment to providing scientific insights that are directly applicable to injury prevention and the enhancement of performance. Her expertise spans a wide range of critical areas within human movement and the musculoskeletal system, offering a robust framework for understanding how to move better and avoid common pitfalls. She meticulously analyzes the intricate relationships between various bodily systems, translating complex scientific principles into practical applications for athletes, clinicians, and everyday individuals alike. Her focus on evidence-based methodologies ensures that the advice and strategies she disseminates are not only effective but also grounded in sound scientific understanding, making her a trusted authority in the field.
The role of posture and the human musculoskeletal system
Dr. Emily Splichal places significant emphasis on the intricate interplay between posture and the human musculoskeletal system as fundamental to optimal movement and injury prevention. She posits that our posture is not merely a static position, but a dynamic reflection of the underlying health and efficiency of our entire kinetic chain, starting from our feet. A compromised posture can lead to an uneven distribution of forces, placing undue stress on various joints and tissues, thereby increasing the risk of injuries. Her approach involves analyzing how the feet, as the body’s foundation, influence the alignment of the ankles, knees, hips, and spine. By understanding and addressing postural imbalances through targeted interventions, such as improving foot function and enhancing sensory input, Dr. Splichal aims to create a more stable and resilient musculoskeletal framework, which is crucial for both athletic performance and everyday well-being.
Training of professionals in over 35 countries
The global impact of Dr. Emily Splichal’s expertise is undeniable, evidenced by her extensive work in training professionals across more than 35 countries. Through her company, EBFA Global, she has educated over 20,000 individuals on the principles of barefoot science, functional podiatry, and advanced movement methodologies. This comprehensive training equips chiropractors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, coaches, and other health and fitness practitioners with the knowledge and skills to implement Dr. Splichal’s science-driven approach in their own practices. Participants gain a deeper understanding of biomechanics, posture, injury prevention, and performance enhancement through a heightened focus on foot function and sensory integration. This widespread dissemination of her innovative concepts ensures that her revolutionary approach to human movement is reaching and benefiting individuals on a truly global scale, fostering a more informed and effective community of movement specialists.
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