Gait analysis and Phits insoles: Maxwell’s story

Meet Maxwell Raymond-Scott

Maxwell Raymond-Scott is an active and adventurous scientific researcher originally from Macclesfield in Cheshire. In 2016, Maxwell ventured to the Antarctic in the South Pole to work on a scientific research base. While there, he suffered an injury to his hands and feet, brought on by the extreme coldness of the Antarctic. This injury resulted in nerve damage, severely limiting Maxwell’s balance and mobility.

“My injury is cold-related, which caused the nerve damage I currently have,” explains Maxwell. “It’s been diagnosed as a few different conditions, including frostbite, but nothing has been officially confirmed, and I’m still discovering the true impact of the injury.

“Before my injury, I was a keen sailor and mountaineer. I loved bike riding, rowing, running, long-distance walking, and of course, I had a very active job,” he explains. This was massively impacted by his injury.

How Maxwell discovered gait analysis

After returning from the Antarctic, Maxwell’s nerve damage began to take its toll on his everyday life at home. He had severe pain and a lack of sensation in his legs and feet, and he struggled to walk far or maintain his balance, which lead to some distressing falls. 

After visiting many specialists in search of help managing these symptoms, Maxwell met Mr Nicholas Savva, a consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon specialising in lower limb, foot, and surgery at The Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester. 

It was here he was introduced to our gait analysis technology and Phits orthotics (insoles), available at the hospital’s private physiotherapy clinic. 

“I enquired due to a recommendation by the medical secretary for Mr. Savva. I was told about the Footscan® technology, as well as the opportunity to order custom-made Phits insoles from the recorded data. I decided to give them a try without expecting them to make a huge difference.”

What is Gait analysis?

Gait analysis uses Footscan® technology to analyse how efficiently your body moves when walking and running.

The system, which is made up of advanced 3D static scanners, printers, and analysis software, has over 4,000 high-speed sensors that capture and assess your movement, providing information about even the smallest abnormalities in your movement. The technology offers a level of detail that can’t be gathered otherwise. 

The information is used by your doctor and physiotherapist to monitor your balance and movement, and provide the right treatment based on your individual gait (walking) needs.

Phits insoles at The Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester

Phits are orthotics (medical insoles placed inside your shoes) to correct your walking patterns. Phits insoles are designed using 3D-printing technology and based on the information gathered from your gait analysis. The insoles are built to match your individual anatomy and needs, and help improve comfort, balance, and mobility in your feet, while reducing the risk of injury.

You can wear your Phits 24-hours a day and you can, if you wish, have specially designed insoles for different shoe types (for example, running shoes, heeled boots, or walking boots).

At The Winterbourne Hospital, we have designs available for all kinds of sports shoes, including cycling and skiing. Just tell our team what you’re looking for and we should be able to help you.

Maxwell’s experience with gait analysis

Maxwell describes his experience having gait analysis at the Winterbourne physiotherapy clinic as: “efficient and excellent.” He says:

“I visited the Winterbourne physiotherapy clinic twice for treatment and both times were efficient and excellent. My first visit was for gait analysis. I walked across the Footscan® force plate – which analyses your pressure and speed – several times, helping my physiotherapist Katie collect the information needed to build my orthotics. It seemed like a very complex and sophisticated piece of technology, so I trusted the process.” 

Maxwell’s second visit to the Winterbourne physiotherapy clinic was to have his Phits insoles fitted. He was extremely impressed by the knowledge and care provided by his physiotherapist Katie, who helped examine his mobility and a build a tailored exercise programme for Maxwell to perform in sessions and at home. 

“Katie examined my feet comprehensively to understand the kind of exercises I required. Her knowledge is exceptional. She understood the features of my injury straight away. The arches of my feet have not suffered nerve damage, so she focused on these parts to maximise the sensation that exists. 

“She went over and above in her care, and even recommended other services which could be of use to me.”

Maxwell continues to perform the exercise programme set by Katie every day at home to strengthen his muscles and improve sensation his lower limbs, helping manage his balance and mobility. His exercise sessions also involve the use of specialist equipment provided by our clinic. 

Maxwell’s life with Phits insoles

Phits insoles helped Maxwell rebuild his life and regain his confidence following the injury.

“The difference I noticed when using the insoles is huge. From the moment I stepped into them, my posture was completely different. Before having them fitted, I could barely walk or hold my balance. Walking felt like walking on stilts or climbing the stairs at night and missing a step.

“Now, I don’t go a day without wearing them, because I feel much so much more stable and mobile when walking. They have given me a spring to my step and offer cushioning that supports my feet.”

While the long-term nature of his condition means Maxwell may never get back to doing some of the high-impact activities he used to, the Phits insoles have transformed his ability to manage everyday activities with confidence, which has had a dramatic impact on his overall quality of life. 

Without the insoles, Maxwell can’t drive or climb stairs without worrying about discomfort and lack of balance. “The orthotics have given me my independence back,” he says. “I wouldn’t be confident driving without them now because of the way that they keep my feet in place.”

Maxwell admits he wouldn’t go anywhere without his insoles now, even wearing them in his slippers at home for maximum comfort and protection. They have significantly improved his wellbeing, offering the support and stability he needs to feel confident and happy in himself again. 

“The Winterbourne was a great find and a big step forward in the treatment of my injury. I would wholeheartedly recommend this treatment and the physiotherapy clinic to anyone. I was very impressed by the level of care I received and found the pricing reasonable.

The service would be useful to so many people – mountaineers, runners, diabetics, or even people who have especially active jobs and want to get their confidence back.”

Why choose Circle Health Group for treatment?

If Maxwell’s story resonates with you, you might benefit from physiotherapy or gait analysis and Phits insoles at our Winterbourne physiotherapy clinic. If you’re not local to Dorchester, we have more than 50 other locations across the UK, so you’re never far from a Circle Health Group hospital. 

When you choose to go private with us for physiotherapy, you can expect:   

• Fast access to treatment as soon as you need it
• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
• Bespoke treatment plans tailored to your individual needs  
• Private, one-on-one sessions with a chartered physiotherapist 
• Seamless onwards referrals if you need diagnostic tests or a specialist consultation

If you want to know more about gait analysis or Phits orthotics, give us a call.