Patient Testimonials

Here are patients who have shared their experiences working with Professor/Dr. Rothbart and how it changed their lives.

  Andrew Edwards - has been to doctors claiming to use Professor Rothbart's therapy

I am 27 years old and have lived with chronic pain for more than 10 years!! As a young child I was involved in a lot of sports, including football and boxing. I never would have guessed that I had any muscular or structural problems at all, as I was very fit and healthy. But I gradually noticed that although I performed well at sports, I would always take a good two weeks longer than everyone else to recover from severe muscular pains, particularly in my feet, big toe, thighs and lower back.

The first person I saw about this problem was a sports physiotherapist, who said that I simply did not warm-up properly before playing sports. After taking his advice I still suffered the same pains, which rapidly worsened. Little did I know that this was the beginning of a series of misdiagnoses, costing me thousands of pounds and none of which worked particularly well.

The situation rapidly worsened and I found that I could not walk without pain. Even to take one step was agonizing. So I was pushed around in a wheelchair for a while until my intense back pain resulted in painful sciatica and I could no longer come out of my house. I spent all day on the floor being looked after by my mother (who is also unwell).

After many years and a few operations on my foot, doctors came to the conclusion that there was nothing they could do to control the pain and that the only option was a back operation. That was when I found out about Dr Rothbart’s insoles on the Internet. This appealed to me as I was wearing extremely uncomfortable arch supports, which seemed to make me worse some how. I contacted a doctor who was selling these insoles and bought a pair of 6mm insoles. The improvement was nothing short of a miracle, as I felt my pain decrease dramatically. I walked around for hours and felt great. But much to my disappointment, after a few days the pain came back.

In spite of the return of my pain, I knew that I was on to something. I re-visited the same doctor, who then told me to try the 9mm insoles. He did not examine me or give me any explanation for the return of my painful symptoms, as he was not sure exactly how the insoles worked. Upon using these new insoles, my pain disappeared for a few days, but then again returned.

I became convinced that my chronic pain was caused by the mis-alignment of my feet and ankles and this realization lead me to a clinic in London. There they told me that they had some training from Professor Rothbart and could offer his exact treatment. This was exactly what I was looking for. However, the practitioner did not know how to help me and after modifying my insoles more than seven times, he admitted that he could not help me. His exact words were “I suspect that there might be nothing anyone can do for you, Mr. Edwards”.

I realized that in order to see a significant improvement, I had to see the inventor of the technology himself and traveled to Italy to meet Dr Rothbart. My first impression of Dr Rothbart was that he was someone who really wanted to help me! He seemed very caring and considerate but at the same time, a very straight-talking kind of guy.

Dr Rothbart told me that I have a condition that he calls a PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity.  I started undergoing treatment to address this foot structure and this has turned out to be the best decision of my life. Although I am still under-going treatment, the improvements have been rapid, significant and long-lasting. Dr Rothbart is dedicated to helping me get better.

I have definitely learned that although other health professionals using Rothbart’s insoles mean well, they do not have the wealth of knowledge and experience that Dr Rothbart has in dealing with the problems arising from the PMS and the Preclinical Clubfoot Deformity foot structures. And as a result of their lack of expertise, these other practitioners can make you worse.

I have done my own research and there is no one who understands the link between the foot and the rest of the body like Dr Rothbart.  When I first saw Dr Rothbart, he examined me for symptoms that I had previously not connected to my chronic pain problems. For example, I had started to have difficulty closing my mouth completely, as my teeth had always felt slightly misaligned. I went to see a dentist about this and he completely dismissed the idea. But after I was given my first pair of insoles from Dr Rothbart, my mouth can now shut properly and feels completely normal, even when I remove my insoles!

Personally, I can’t begin to explain this, but Dr Rothbart seems to be the only person who does understand this phenomenon!

Andrew Edwards
London, England

Andrew Edwards - 1 1/2 years later - can now walk for hours without pain

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the therapy I received from Dr. Rothbart was absolutely essential for my health and without it I would have needed surgery particularly on my ankle joints, knee joint and hips! Dr. Rothbart's therapy has almost aloud me to go back to the active life I use to have before this crippling illness set in.

There are days that go by without me thinking of pain which is amazing and was not how it was before treatment! The treatment is not a miracle, it tooks years of research to get it right and I had to adhere to certain things in order for the therapy to work.

My improvement has been immeasurable so far and I am still improving. I couldn't walk for long periods which in my case was more than 5 minutes, now I walk for hours. I even feel better when I walk then when I rest which sounds hard to believe but I think that is due to the postural changes that the treatment has achieved.

My personal impression of Dr. Rothbart´s treatment is very positive. He has always been extremely helpful and reassuring and is very professional in his approach. He does not take anything for granted and does everything he can to improve one`s condition.

The treatment is comparatively expensive but the severity of the condition demands the proper treatment, so it is more than worth the money!"

Andrew Edwards
London, England
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Deborah McCurdy - an incredible journey - no longer in pain

"What's a woman to do when she can hardly walk across a room without severe pain? I asked myself this question a year ago and truly thought I would be in a wheelchair before I was 60 years old.

About five years ago, after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I began having excruciating pain in my low back, hip, groin and knee. I was unable to rise from a sitting position without first standing for a moment and then 'gently' taking a step in order to keep from falling. Walking barefoot was so painful I could only take a few steps before I would have to sit down. After being very active in previous years, now only slight exercise caused me to be unable to continue for days, causing my muscles to atrophy further. Even attempting the simplest of chores caused pain. I was unable to vacuum or mop the floor. In fact, any activity requiring me to bend or twist was out of the question . . . housework, yard work, even getting in and out of a car was done with great caution.

I had tried over-the-counter-drugs, massage therapy, stretching exercises, physical therapy, a multitude of insoles; everything short of surgery, because the doctors really couldn't tell me what was causing my pain. So, out of desperation I began researching on my own and came across Professor Rothbart's site.

I have to admit, at first I was skeptical. After all, I had tried many different kinds of insoles without success. But, I decided to purchase his book, thinking it wouldn't hurt to just check it out. After reading it, I was convinced I had finally found 'the answer' and immediately contacted Professor Rothbart to set up an appointment. I still remember telling him that his therapy just made sense to me. He said, `Deborah, it doesn´t matter whether or not it makes sense, it´s just true´.

A year later, I have to admit he was right . . . it is true. Correcting foot patterns you have had for a lifetime is not easy, but oh, so worth the effort and expense. You´ll have times when you think you´re wasting your money, or that the insoles are not working, or you´re tired of giving that ´weekly report´, but hang in there. It is working!

Professor Rothbart must have the patience of a saint because he patiently helped me work through each `pain storm`, helping me understand what was going on and answering all my questions. I have gained so much knowledge working with him, and best of all, I'm not in pain any more.

All those things I said I couldn't do . . . well, I can now. This year has been an incredible journey, and I highly recommend Professor Rothbart's therapy to anyone who is seeking to get out of pain."

Deborah McCurdy

Midland, Texas USA

Deborah McCurdy - 8 months after the completion of her therapy

"I'm doing great! I was in Uganda in June and heading for Zambia in September. I made this last trip with pretty much no pain. I have really ramped up my exercise program and very thankful to be able to do that.

I just returned from a weekend shopping trip a couple of hours away and visit a friend. I literally shopped till I dropped, and no pain. This "no pain" business could be hard on my pocketbook!

Hugs to Professor Rothbart and another huge thank you for helping me out of pain!"

Deborah McCurdy

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Caroline Allen - No more hip or back pain

I have always enjoyed being physically active and have often found myself involved in quite strenuous work, but from the age of 48 to 51 I noticed that these activities were taking their toll on my body.

Walking was painful and my buttock muscles often went into spasm. I could no longer lean my back on a chair or sofa and sleeping was difficult because my legs and sometimes the whole of my body would jump and twitch as though all the nerves were jangled. Exhaustion was the outcome of all this, but I just reasoned that I was doing too much and needed to rest.

It is amazing how much pain one can tolerate and how many ways one can find to alleviate the symptoms, but my pain management techniques were struggling to cope and I needed to seek help and advice from an outside source.

Fortunately for me it was at this time that I met Professor Brian Rothbart who recognized my symptoms as stemming from a condition called Rothbarts Foot. I couldn’t have been more surprised to discover that I was born a foot disorder that was causing me to stand and walk in an imbalanced way thus creating a strain on certain joints and muscles in my body.

Under Dr. Brian’s care and supervision I devotedly applied myself to his program and wore my proprioceptive insoles for an average of seven hours per day. Within a few days I could walk pain free, breathing became easier and my energy levels increased.

The pattern of recovery was as predicted: a series of good days and not so good days, especially noticeable if I needed a new prescription or if the structure of my shoes started to breakdown. Within eight months I had reached a level of balance where the messages from the insoles to my brain had stabilized. I no longer had pain or tightness in my hips, my back was strong and pain free and even my neck had improved beyond any expectations. Ten months would see me through to the end of my treatment and another success for Professor Brian Rothbart.

I will still need to wear my insoles for sometime, but eventually a few hours a week will suffice. My future is rosy and I can look forward to continuing a physically active, pain free life.

Caroline Allen

Malaga, Spain

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Paul Jorgensen - entire body feels better and can now play with his two young children

“I am 38 and started to have back pain when I was 21. I had tightness on my left lower back region and tingling sensations going down my left leg. Though I saw many doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors who helped me get rid of the tingling and some of the back pain, I never felt ‘normal’ and my back has bothered me since.

I was always active in sports, but this pain slowed me down. Then my back went out when I was 30 and then again at 35. I stopped participating in the sports I love because it would aggravate my condition. Then my left hip started to bother me as much as my back. I tried many different methods to heal my condition, but with little success.

I saw Dr. Rothbart’s website and saved it in my favorites. Eight months later I decided to contact him and came to Spain to be treated. It was a very hard decision to make (I live in L.A., Ca.), but I went for it. Dr. Rothbart’s assistant, Linda, made the travel process very easy by providing detailed travel information and answering my questions in very timely responses.

While I was in Spain, it was easy to work with Dr. Rothbart and he showed a genuine passion for helping me get out of pain. Throughout my therapy, Dr. Rothbart was quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had.

I am now about 8 months into my therapy and I definitely feel a major improvement. My back pain and tightness is almost gone, I no longer experience pinched muscles in my neck, my shoulder muscles are more relaxed, my left hip feels better and I no longer limp from random knee pain. I’m now able to lift and carry my two young children and play with them on the floor. My whole body feels better than it did when I was in my 20s.”

Paul Jorgensen
Los Angeles, California, USA

Five months after the completion of Paul Jorgensen's therapy, he's once again surfing 6 foot waves!

In working with Professor/Dr. Rothbart, Paul's biggest goal was to someday return to surfing - one of his greatest loves.

Paul knew that it might take some time for his muscles and joints to become healthy and strong enough to resume a strenuous activity such as surfing. But Paul was determined, and five months after completing his therapy, he sent us this email:

"Dear Professor Rothbart,

I think it's official. I can honestly say that I am back surfing and feel comfortable enough that you can add that to my testimonial. I have surfed 7 times over the last month or so and surfed a couple of times in up to 6' waves.

I surfed yesterday in 4'-6' waves and it was my best session yet. My body felt really good and I was doing all my old moves.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Paul"

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Jonathan Swanson - all american track and soccer champion

In 1990 I enrolled at Seattle Pacific University where I competed in both soccer and track. During my freshman year, I was plagued with iliotibial band and patellar tendonitis. Also, my feet were pronated. My trainer highly recommended that I see Professor Rothbart because many of our athletes had experienced great results after seeing him.

I had already gone through three pairs of orthotics (which felt terrible), made by the top rated Podiatrists in Seattle, by the time I first saw Professor Rothbart. Although it was over ten years ago, I have very good memories of visiting his clinic. He was very knowledgeable and very detailed and seemed to have the most thorough and scientific approach to his diagnosis, compared to other Podiatrists I have seen.

After receiving Professor Rothbart's treatment, I went on to become All American in the 1500m (running 3:45), and National champion in soccer for NCAA div II. I credit a large part of my success to Professor Rothbart, who helps me stay injury free. Even 12 years after college, I continue to use the same pair of customized proprioceptive signals. It is amazing that they have lasted over 23,000 miles of running. I am still competing at age 35 and I believe I have a shot at qualifying for the 2008 Olympic trials.

Jonathan Swanson
Seattle, Washington USA

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Margie Clay - hiking again after years of being in pain

Before seeing Professor Rothbart, I had chronic ankle, knee and hip pain. I also had headaches. I could no longer hike (which I loved doing) and was tentative in my walking.

Before seeing Professor Rothbart my biggest concern was insurance, if it would cover his therapy. I also didn’t know if it would work for me. But, a friend had good success with him, and her insurance did cover it.

I found Professor Rothbart to be very informative and straight forward. He took plenty of time to answer my questions and I could call him at any time.

After seeing Professor Rothbart my hip and ankle pain disappeared and there is a huge improvement in my knee. My headaches have disappeared and my posture has improved.

When all the serious aches and pains disappeared, my walking itself improved. I can now hike 9km with no pain. I feel better, have more confidence in my physical condition, and enjoy life again.

Margie Clay
Tallahassee, Florida

USA

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Patrizia Ferroni - avoided foot surgery and walking again

For the last 3- 4 years, I had more and more ankle and foot pain. It started in my right foot and then it traveled to my left. It reached a point where it was difficult to walk without pain. I saw many different healthcare providers. They told me I had a large benign tumor (Morton’s neuroma) in my right foot that must be surgically removed, in order to get rid of the pain. I did not want to have the surgery and this was the reason I saw Professor Rothbart.

On my first visit, I brought in all the past tests that were done, including X-rays and MRIs. Professor Rothbart was very professional and courteous. We discussed a lot about my symptoms, in order to better understand the nature of my foot problems. According to Professor Rothbart, my tumor and consequent foot pain was largely due to the way my feet twist. He suggested, that by improving the way that my feet function, there was a good chance I could avoid foot surgery.

As a result of his care, the pain due to the foot tumor has considerably reduced. My ankle is not hurting anymore and has remained pain free for the past three years. I am very happy with the results. I was able to avoid foot surgery. I can now walk as much as I want (which I enjoy a lot) and practice some sports without worry about any foot pain. I also feel that my entire body is more stable. Thanks to Professor Rothbart’s method, my life has improved.

I have told others about Professor Rothbart’s therapy. I would definitely recommend him to my family and friends.

Patrizia Ferroni
Rome, Italy

Patrizia sent me this email on January 13, 2011

"Nessun dolore gia´da oltre 1 anno."

(I have had no pain for more than one year)

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Sara Pinto - teeth realigned and neck pain subsided

My teeth had been filed and were no longer aligned so my teeth were sore and uncomfortable. I had neck and shoulder pain. It was a pervasive problem that was seriously and negatively affecting me. The pain and discomfort were constant.

Before I started treatment with Professor Rothbart, I wondered if his treatment could resolve my problems. But I found him to be very pleasant and professional.

The results of his therapy were that my neck pain started to subside and my teeth pain decreased noticeably. They started to “fit” better in my mouth.

Professor Rothbart’s work made an unmanageable situation much better. I would absolutely refer him to anyone.

Sara Pinto

Chicago Ill, USA

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Chiara S -

Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy has changed the appearance of my Downs child’s face

“My daughter, Diletta, is a Down’s child. My friend told me to see Professor Rothbart before I began her orthodontic therapy (orthodontic problems are common with Down’s children).

During my first visit with Professor Rothbart, he emphasized how important it is for my daughter’s head to be in a more correct position over her spine before we begin her treatment with the orthodontist. He told me that if Diletta’s teeth are straightened with her head forward, it will lock her head in that position causing pain as she gets older.

Three months after being treated by Professor Rothbart, Diletta’s head sits more directly over her spine. However, what is so amazing to me is that her face has changed and she looks like a more normal child. This is a miracle and God Send for us.

Thank you Professor Rothbart for helping our child.”

Mrs. Chiara S
Rome, Italy

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Maria Casarino - enjoys walking again without the fear of falling down

"I took my 78 year old mother to see Professor Rothbart because she has been suffering with painful joints (her knees, hips and back) for years. She used to love walking but her pain has become so bad and her balance is so terrible, that she would just sit around her apartment all day long.

Professor Rothbart examined my mother and did a lot of tests including a computer analysis of the way she stood and walked. He told me he could help my mother to become more active with less joint pain. So we decided to begin his therapy.

Six months later my mother has almost no pain in her knees, hips and back. Her balance is much improved. She is no longer fearful of falling down. But what I consider to be a miracle is her change in attitude about walking. Now she wants to go for walks and not just short walks. Just recently, we walked around Rome for two hours. I was exhausted but my mother was not tired and didn’t want to sit down. I wouldn’t have believed this if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes!

Thank you Professor Rothbart for helping my mother."

Maria Barisone
Daughter of Maria Casarino
Rome, Italy

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Stefano Pensabene - life long problem with knee pain eliminated

“A severe knee injury in my early twenties ended my professional soccer career. When I began Professor Rothbart’s therapy, my knees started getting better and the pain went away.

It has been over three years now and I still have no knee pain.”

Stefano Pensabene
Oliveri, Sicily

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Andrea Bianchi - feet no longer hurt

"I can’t remember a time when my feet didn’t hurt. I was treated by Professor Rothbart and the next day the pain in my feet was gone. It’s been three years and my feet still feel great."

Andrea Bianchi
Rome, Italy

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Marco P - dramatic improvement in the appearance of his face

"My 17 year old son was born with Down’s Syndrome. His posture is horrible. He is ungainly and walks like a duck (very common with Down’s).

Since being treated by Professor Rothbart, his posture is much better and he no longer walks like a duck; he walks like a normal child."

Monica, mother of
Marco P
Rome Italy

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Rosario Nistico - pain from an intractable (non responsive to therapy) groin injury eliminated

"I injured my calf muscle in 1999 playing tennis. I was treated by orthopedists, posturologists and physical therapists. The pain persisted and no one could help me. I lived with pain for over 8 years.

Then I saw Professor Rothbart and within one month the pain in my calf muscle was gone. And it has not returned for the past two years."

Rosario Nistico
Rome, Italy

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Janice Kau has Rheumatoid Arthritis which began when she was 8 years old

"After using your therapy, my pain has greatly diminished and it is so much easier to walk."

Janice Kau
London, England

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"It was difficult working in my garden because my knees hurt so badly. Thanks to Professor Rothbart, I can now work in my garden and my knees are fine."

Helen O'Flynn
US

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"I am 16 years old. Since the age of 10 my low back has hurt. My pediatrician told me it was due to the curves in my back and it could get worse. A good friend of my mother told me to see Professor Rothbart.

After being treated by Professor Rothbart, I no longer have pain in my back and the X-rays show the curves in my back becoming straighter."

Alice Venanzi
Aracci, Italy

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Guardia Gasull - severe ski injury to right ankle healed normally without surgery

“I am an avid skier and in early 2007 I twisted my right ankle. It became so painful I had to use crutches and pain medication.

After my first visit with Professor Rothbart, my husband and family watched me walk out of his office without the crutches. It was almost unbelievable.

I have not since used the crutches, I have no pain and my ankle is totally healed.”

Guardia Gasull
Barcelona, Spain

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Linda Love - chronic ankle problem quickly resolved

"Two years ago I had a fall and tore the ligaments in my right ankle. After trying physiotherapy, an orthopaedic specialist, chiropractic and traditional custom-made orthotics, I still was unable to walk properly. The strain of not being able to move properly began to have an effect on my lower back and knees. Every step I had to take was painful. I stopped doing many of the things I enjoyed because it was too difficult.

Seeing the lack of improvement, a good friend in Rome recommended I see Professor Rothbart. Frankly, I was very sceptical that whatever he would do would make any difference. However, I am happy to report that after only 2 months of his treatment, I am walking better that I have in years. My lower back pain is gone and I am very excited about what the next few months will bring."

Linda Love
United Kingdom (UK)

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"I have had headaches for years – 3 or 4 every week. I also have been suffering from chronic knee and back pain.

Unable to travel to Rome, I became aware of Professor Rothbart’s long distance therapy from reading his patient website. This motivated me to set up my initial phone consultation with him to see if I was a candidate for this type of therapy. It turned out I was.

During my initial phone consultation, Professor Rothbart requested certain photos be sent to him. Using these, he ran a computer analyses on my posture and foot structure. Based on these and other findings, Prof Rothbart custom designed my proprioceptive insoles that I have now been wearing for nearly two years. I am pleased to say that my headaches are now gone. And my right knee and low back feel much better."

Dr. A. Jackson (Podiatrist)
London England UK

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Mariangela Croci - walking longer, eyesight improved and energy increased

"Dear Professor Rothbart,

I am back from a botanic garden trip on the Lago Maggiori, famous for flowers. I walked around for almost a couple of hours, an incredible amount of time for me. There was some strain, but before all this would have been impossible.

I have found that my eyesight, which was getting worse before my therapy with you, has now improved. And my energy has increased. That is a miracle!

Also, my last visit to you was significant for me, in taking consciousness of how deep is the communication existing between my body and my emotions. Now I really understand.

I can say with no fear of being overenthusiastic that anyone who reaches out for Professor Rothbart - a most extraordinary doctor - is a lucky person, ready to accept in life a fundamental step towards happiness."

Mariangela Croci
Milan, Italy

If you are ready to take the next step towards freedom from chronic pain, go to the Schedule an Initial Consultation page.

To hear from experts who know about Professor/Dr. Rothbart’s work, go to the Feedback from Other Experts page.

To find out the doctor/patient commitment that is essential to regain one's health using Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy, go to The Patient's Commitment page.