Building Bulletproof Backs Ep 30 - Feet, Fascia & Back Pain with Dr Emily Splichal (Functional Podiatrist)

Welcome to the 30 th episode of the Building a Bulletproof Back podcast.

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This podcast aims to empower listeners with HOPE that healing is possible when you know how. We discuss strategic tools addressing mindset, movement & emotional health.

I am your host, Marion McRae,  physiotherapist, psychedelic assisted therapist,  & movement addict on a mission to see the existing model of treating back pain evolve. 

Our feet are more than shock absorbers. They are a neurosensory foundation that shapes posture, breath, pelvic floor timing and the way the spine loads. In this conversation, Dr Emily Splichal (functional & regenerative podiatry) breaks down how foot type (flat, neutral, high/rigid), sensory input, and fascia chains from toes to tongue influence low-back stability, and how to build a stable “neutral foot” before you train. We also explore movement literacy, why small, safe reps beat hero sets, and how to keep people moving even with chronic presentations. 

What you’ll learn

• How foot posture and the foot tripod (1st/5th met heads + heel), toe purchase, and hip-led arch lift create a stable base for the spine
• Why sensory stimulation of the feet/hands can improve awareness, muscle activation, and circulation
• Movement literacy: layering alignment, breath, pelvic floor and gait so the nervous system says “yes”
• Practical starting points for flat, neutral and high-arched feet (support, strength, mobility—often a blend)

Dr Emily — functional & regenerative podiatrist, clinician-educator, founder of Barefoot Strong; creator of NABOSO neurosensory products; host of the Root to Rise podcast. She sees patients virtually worldwide.

Resources & links mentioned - 

https://www.naboso.com/
https://dremilysplichal.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@NabosoTechnology

Books by Dr Emily

• Barefoot Strong — foot-to-core sequencing for balance, strength and movement
• Sensory Sapiens — fascia, emotion, gait and nervous-system-led movement

We’ve just launched a brand new fan mail feature on our podcast! 

Now, you can drop us a comment, or ask us any burning questions you have about back pain. I’ll be taking those questions and answering them over on our Bulletproof Backs YouTube channel. 

We’ve just launched a brand new fan mail feature on our podcast! Now, you can drop us a comment, share the podcast with your friends, or ask us any burning questions you have about back pain. I’ll be taking those questions and answering them over on our Bulletproof Backs YouTube channel. 

So, don’t be shy! Send in your comments and questions, and let's keep the conversation going. Your feedback means the world to us, and we can't wait to hear from you!