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Alignment

The foot is a complex structure. There are 52 bones in the feet. Additionally, there is a high concentration of nerve endings in the feet, like the hands. The unique structure of the foot allows it to support the full weight of the human body, absorb the shock of foot strike in running and be rigid enough to 'toe off' at the end of the gait cycle. The foot must support up to three times body weight in a high speed ski turn and yet minutely adjust pressure for edge control. It does not function alone, but works in conjunction with the knee, hip and lower back.


flat foot skeleton    When this integrated system fails other parts of the body are recruited to aid a carved turn. The shoulders rotate, the centre of gravity falls backwards and a skid turn is the result. It might not be due to poor technique but poor alignment, power and balance. This is where chiropractors come in. 

Balance is the most important single factor in athletic skiing. Without it, skiing is clumsy and awkward, a struggle against gravity often leading to fatigue and even injury. Yet recreational skiers are hardly ever taught balance and how to improve it through sensory training and proprioception.