"Greg is Happy!"- G.A. "I'm Really Liking These!"- S.W. "I'm A Believer!"- F.B.

Thank you Greg A.!! Thank you Sarah W.!! Thank you Frederick B.!!...It is a pleasure to serve you. : Sometimes the simplest phrases are the ones that affect me the most as a caregiver.  In my experience, the response of a patient who is ready to accept the healing process generally ranges from skeptical criticism to elated, joyful squeaks.  Interpreting patient response can only be done with much conversation.  I cannot document smiles, or raised eyebrows, or squeals for that matter, so I remember the specifics of what a person says and write the most descriptive reactions in their chart.  But all in all, each person will reveal a part of themselves in their initial reaction to my unique orthotics, and I listen to their words (or guttural utterances) very carefully. 
It is never easy to change old habits like the style of shoes one wears, because there has been so much emotion wrapped up in their choices throughout the years.  Some folks have historically selected the wrong style of shoe out of a want to follow the latest fashion trends, while others have worn poor footwear because they felt a connection to a past fashion. Perhaps a school-mate wore that style, or a long ago connection to a respected family member who wore a particular brand of shoe.  Sometimes the patient has selected a shoe that was right initially, but through an acquired injury or disease process, is no longer appropriate.  So changing footwear habits out of a medical need not only is an admittance and acceptance of one's pathology, but a huge step toward healing.  
When a patient dons a shoe with my custom Graceyfeet orthotic inside for the first time, the shorter the phrases and louder their voice is, the more emotion is being shown, the more barriers are being overcome, and a greater attitude towards personal growth through physical healing is achieved.  In essence, the interpretive song and dance of better health can be seen and heard in a patient's first steps with a new Graceyfeet orthotic.  I am thankful to be a humble witness.