About

Please click the link below to see what it is all about!
12th and 13th of June 2026 

12th and 13th of June 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F128Ge4qzIQ

'We are not gurus, only people trying to be less wrong'

A nod to tradition, with an eye on innovation. A comprehensive two-day course on foot orthoses, design, and clinical application
Please follow the link to the website to find a more comprehensive overview of the course outline.

https://achievepodiatryportmacquarie.com.au/orthoses/foot-orthoses-the-21st-century-course-outline/

Course Purpose
This course is designed to give podiatrists a complete, up-to-date foundation in orthotic theory and practice. It provides a deep dive into biomechanics, prescription, materials, and modifications, while equipping attendees with the confidence and hands-on experience to manage complex clinical scenarios.

Facility: Newcaslte International Football Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, 294 Turton Road, New Lambton 2305. 

Structure:
Each particpant will get a bag with their supplies for the weekend. This will include multiple and varied 3D printed orthotic shells, Medical Grade Customisable Prefab Orthotics, EVA and various adjustment materials. 

You will move from theory (in front of a projector, typical course style) to pracitcal. You will be assigned small group station that has tables, grinders and equipment. An expert will be there running through the implenmentation of the content we have just leanred. When it comes to foot orthosis, there is nothing more important then doing.

Pricing: You are investing in:

- 16 hours of face to face, hands on learning in a small and intimate setting. 

- lunch, snacks and coffee/beverages provided.

- Lots of take home equipment and resources. 

'Duration: Two full days (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
Format: Healthy split of Theory and Practical hands on (assessing, manufacturing,altering) - approximately
Delivery: In-person with designated learning zones (grinding area, material benches, presentation screen)

Core Themes
1. Principles of Biomechanics
Foundations: levers, forces, kinematics
Joint mechanics: STJ, MTJ, TMT, knee, hip
Foot theories: Preferred Movement Pathway, Rotational Equilibrium
Functional links: kinetic chain, leg length differences, forefoot/rearfoot relationships

2. Material Selection & Design
Shells: EVA, poly, P11 (soft/dual/flexible)
Posting, thickness, arch contouring, skives, heel cups, flares, buttresses
Covers, tissue accommodation, metatarsal pads, cuboid notch
Practical sourcing & clinical tolerance

3. Practical Component
Gait assessment (treadmill/overground, strike pattern, video)
Scanning & casting (WB/NWB, foam, optical, photogrammetry)
Mark-up & modification (forefoot deflection, skive, grind)
Fitting orthoses into shoes (cutting, adjusting, shoe types)
Small group practicals following each theory block

4. Foot Posture Assessment
Flat foot, cavus, functional vs structural
Jack’s test, supinatory resistance
Translating findings into prescription

5. Pathology-Specific Management
Flatfoot, plantar fasciitis, Achilles, tib post, lateral forefoot, peroneals
Stress fractures, knee OA, patellofemoral pain, low back pain

6. Custom vs Prefab
Indications, pros/cons
Functional vs accommodative options
Clinical reasoning for choice

7. Orthosis Labs
Plaster, milling, modelling
Working with labs: communication, technical notes

8. Advanced Modifications
Richie brace, UCBL, aero spring carbon plate, off-the-shelf bracing
Accommodative vs functional indications

9. Footwear Considerations
Matching orthoses with joggers, dress shoes, football boots

10. Cost & Communication
How to explain cost to patients
Addressing value, myths about weakness, short vs long-term use
Collaborating with referrers (GPs, physios)

11. Psychological Aspects
Building trust & engagement
Managing expectations & beliefs
Explaining orthoses clearly and confidently

12. Self-Auditing & Clinical Growth
Reflective practice
Evaluating outcomes & patient feedback
Improving from clinical experience

Resources
Take-home material selector cheat sheet
Clinical reference for shoe compatibility
Practical checklist for orthotic setup
Hosts (More info with course outline link):

Blake Withers
Blake is a Sports Podiatrist & Phd candidate based in Newcastle, Australia, working within a multidisciplinary Sports Medicine Clinic alongside leading Sports Doctors to manage musculoskeletal injuries in runners, elite athletes, and active individuals. He also offers telehealth consultations internationally and is the director of Achieve Podiatry.

Blake lectures in Biomechanics and Sports Podiatry at the University of Newcastle, teaching orthoses, footwear, rehabilitation, and lower-limb injury management. He completed his postgraduate Master's with top honours and published in the Journal of Sport Sciences.

An experienced educator, Blake has delivered national and international courses on running injuries, footwear, tendon pathology, and bone stress injuries. He has presented for Sports Medicine Australia, the Australian Podiatry Association, and SEPA.

Blake co-hosts The Sports Medicine Project podcast (top 5% globally) and regularly features on leading industry podcasts. He contributes to professional publications and tests performance footwear for athletes and brands.

Instagram: @blake.sportspodiatrist


Justin Smith
Justin is the Founder of Achieve Podiatry and a leading voice in musculoskeletal podiatry within the sports medicine landscape. He regularly runs workshops and training sessions for health professionals, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced clinical practice.

Justin consults to elite and professional sporting teams in Newcastle, with expertise in lower limb mechanics, injury rehabilitation, and exercise prescription. He holds multiple strength and conditioning certifications, allowing him to bridge the gap between rehab and performance for athletic and high-performance clients.

As a clinical educator at the University of Newcastle, Justin teaches and mentors students in biomechanics, rehabilitation, and pain science. He has co-authored research publications in the field of biomechanics.

Outside clinic and academia, Justin co-directs Movement Collective Kids, a Hunter-based movement gym promoting physical development in children. He stays active through running, Ju Jitsu, and functional strength training, and balances his professional commitments with family life as a husband and father of two boys.

Date

Location

Get directions

McDonalds Jones Stadium
294 Turton Rd, , Broadmeadow NSW 2292

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