Q.     Why were they designed?
A.     Arch Angels were designed to treat foot and leg injuries sustained by dancers.

Q.     How do Arch Angels work?
A.     Arch Angels reduce the impact stress on the foot and legs and stimulate the arch of the foot.  The dancer can feel a constant movement under the arch and is repeatedly made aware of foot posture.

Q.     Do Arch Angels “prop” the foot up?
A.     No!  The central portion of the orthotic is a firm but flexible material which is capable of fully extending into a flat position when weight is applied.  As the dancer begins to point the foot or rises to demi-pointe or full pointe position the orthotic will recoil with the arch as it rises.

Q.     Will wearing Arch Angels weaken the foot?
A.     No!  The Arch Angel cannot move unless the dancer moves the foot.  On movement the orthotic will maintain contact with the arch and stimulate the arch.  In essence, the foot muscles are given an extra workout which has to be initiated by the dancer.

Q.     At what age should dancers start wearing Arch Angels?
A.     Arch  Angels  should be worn  by  dancers  as  soon as they begin to place  stress repeatedly on  the feet.  Dancers take time to develop muscle   strength and flexibility and interventions to reduce the risk of  undue stress or injury should be strenuously encouraged.

Q.     What benefits have dancers experienced by wearing Arch Angels?
A.      Dancers have described many benefits.  The most common comments include:

“Arch Angels are comfortable,”
“I feel confident doing jumps,”
“I don’t get cramps any more,”
“My arch is stronger,”
“I can get more spring in my jumps,”
“I don’t sickle so much,”
“My foot looks better,”
“My shins don’t hurt like they used to,”

Parents and teachers have also made comments which indicate that dancers using Arch Angels have improved foot posture and reduced symptoms.

Q.     How long do Arch Angels last?
A.     Many dancers have been wearing the same Arch Angels for 12 months.  Those dancers who dance more frequently than others are likely to wear their Arch Angels out more often.  If the foot grows and the slippers need to be changed, it is likely that a larger Arch Angel will also be required.

Q.     How can the shape of the arch be formed in the Arch Angels?
A.      The Arch Angel can be heated either in a microwave oven or by a hair dryer.
Instructions regarding heating, shaping and fitting Arch Angels are included in the packaging.

Q.     Will the arch in the Arch Angel flatten?
A.     Yes!  The memory in the flexible material will reduce with wear .  If this happens, the arch can be re heated and re shaped by following the initial steps described in the original instruction sheet.

Q.     Can Arch Angels be worn to prevent problems?
A.     Yes!  Arch Angels will reduce impact stress and promote stronger feet.  The combination of these two factors play a major role in reducing injuries that can affect dancers.

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