The Mount Med Resort is committed to combining prevention, orthopaedic expertise and sustainable health promotion at the highest level. That is why targeted foot exercises for all resort guests form an integral part of the Medical Spa’s holistic range of therapeutic and preventative treatments.
This scientifically based exercise programme strengthens the foot muscles, improves mobility and stability, and helps to identify incorrect weight-bearing patterns at an early stage and correct them in the long term. In this way, Mount Med Resort consistently translates its expertise in orthopaedics and sports medicine into effective preventive measures – for a healthy and functional musculoskeletal system.
“Strong foot muscles can prevent numerous orthopaedic conditions – such as early-stage hallux valgus, splayfoot or flat feet, as well as heel spurs or claw toes – or have a positive impact on their progression,” says Dr Stephan Papp, a specialist in orthopaedics, trauma surgery and sports traumatology.
Foot exercises benefit not only older people or those with existing conditions: physically active people and ambitious athletes can also improve their running economy, balance and performance, as well as reduce the risk of injury, by having strong, stable feet.
Why foot exercises?
Our feet are the foundation of our body. They carry us through thousands of steps every day, compensate for uneven surfaces, absorb shocks and ensure that we can stand, walk, run and jump safely. Each foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as a highly sensitive network of nerve receptors. Together, they form a complex system that does far more than simply bear our body weight.
Nevertheless, many people only pay attention to their feet when pain arises. Modern lifestyles, such as prolonged sitting, a lack of exercise, hard floors
and unsuitable footwear, mean that the feet’ natural function is increasingly being lost. The consequences are weakening foot muscles, restricted mobility, impaired balance and incorrect weight distribution, which often affect the entire musculoskeletal system.
The 40-minute foot exercise programme, developed by Wolfgang Peer, head of training at Mount Med Resort and a former elite athlete, therefore aims to restore, maintain and sustainably improve the feet’ natural performance.
“Targeted gripping, spreading and stabilisation exercises maintain the mobility of all the foot joints. This enables more efficient movement patterns and reduces the energy required for walking,” says Peer.
Originally developed for competitive athletes, Peer has continuously expanded the programme over many years and adapted it so that today health-conscious people of all ages can benefit from it – regardless of whether they are physically active or simply wish to maintain their mobility in everyday life. Guests at Mount Med Resort can also easily incorporate all the exercises into their daily routines at home.
