Human Locomotion
About Us
About Dr. Michaud
Since graduating from Western States Chiropractic College in the early 80s, Dr. Tom Michaud has published numerous book chapters and dozens of articles on subjects ranging from biomechanics of the first ray and shoulder, to the pathomechanics of vertebral artery dissection.
In 1993, Williams and Wilkins published Dr. Michaud’s first textbook, Foot Orthoses and Other Forms of Conservative Foot Care, which was eventually translated into four languages. His next book, Human Locomotion: The Conservative Management of Gait-Related Disorders, a textbook published in 2012, is used in physical therapy, chiropractic, pedorthic, and podiatry schools around the world. He has also published a book for recreational runners: Injury-Free Running: How to Build Strength, Improve Form, and Treat/Prevent Injuries, now in it’s second edition.
In addition to lecturing on clinical biomechanics internationally, Dr. Michaud has served on the editorial review boards for Chiropractic Sports Medicine and The Australasian Journal of Podiatric Medicine. Over the past 35 years, Dr. Michaud has maintained a busy private practice in Newton, Massachusetts, where he has treated thousands of elite and recreational runners.
Real People. Real Results
“I started using the ToePro about two years ago at the recommendation of my chiropractor, John Ball. When I first started using the device, I could feel it target very specific muscles in my arches and legs, and knew it was going to be helpful. I highly recommend this device, not just for improving running performance, but also for preventing injuries.“
“Simplistic genius! The ToePro is incredibly easy to use and my athletes love it. I’m always surprised how many high-level athletes present with toe weakness, and how much they improve after using the ToePro. I wish I started using it sooner!“
RESEARCH
Monthly Research Articles
Tom’s Corner
Merza E, et al. The acute effects of higher versus lower load duration and intensity on morphological and mechanical properties of the healthy Achilles tendon: a randomized crossover trial. J Exp Biol. 2022;225(10).
In the late 90s, Alfredson published a widely referenced paper showing that heavy-load eccentric calf exercises reduced pain and improved function in even the worst cases of Achilles tendinopathy. More than 20 years later, it is still unclear exactly why heavy-load...
Oranchuk D, et al. Isometric training and long-term adaptations: Effects of muscle length, intensity, and intent: a systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019;1–20.
The lead author of this paper, Dustin Oranchuk, has a history of publishing some of the best research on tendon remodeling. In this paper, the authors point out that isometric contractions have several advantages over conventional concentric and eccentric exercises....
Hong J, et al. Risk factors for contralateral tendon rupture in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. J Foot Ankle Surg. April 7 2023.
A small but unfortunate percentage of people who tear their Achilles tendon on one side will go on to tear the opposite side. The authors of this study evaluated medical records of 181 patients presenting with Achilles tendon ruptures to identify which specific risk...
Khair R, et al. Non-uniform displacement within ruptured Achilles tendons during isometric contraction. Scand J Med Sci. 2021;00: 1-9.
Achilles tendon ruptures are disabling injuries that lead to long-term deficits in strength, physical activity, and function. Despite the high prevalence of this injury, the optimal treatments for the management of Achilles tendon ruptures are poorly defined. The...