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DR.LEROYPERRY:Providing Health & Wellness to Some Famous Friends
LeRoy Perry, D.C., C.Ped., has beencalled a Renaissance man, a modern-dayHippocrates, and a Leonardo da Vinci ofour time. And you’ll see why, from histruly impressive array of talents andaccomplishments that identify him as aninventive thinker and doer.
As a chiropractor and innovator insports science, Dr. Perry has designedmany healing therapies as well as specialexercise equipment. His inventions are anintegral part of patient care at the West LosAngeles–based International SportscienceInstitute (ISI), of which he is the presidentand founder.
Dr. Perry was the first chiropractor toserve as an official Olympic team doctor,and did so five times. He has treated ath-letes from more than 45 countries, andduring the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, SouthKorea, NBC featured a report on his work.He has won many civic awards, includingthe Los Angeles Press Club’s HeadlinesAward in 1983. In 1995, Los AngelesMagazine named him “Best Chiropractorin Los Angeles.” Presently, he donates histime as chairman of the Sports Scienceand Medical Advisory Board forAmerica’s Schools Program, a national
recycling initiative that raises money foreducation. Of this project, Dr. Perry says,“President John F. Kennedy was right insaying that our children are our future. We must help our children now.”
With cofounder Wilt Chamberlain, Dr.Perry also created the Foundation forAthletic Research and Education, an organization that teaches athletes how toenhance performance through proper diet,exercise, and biomechanics. “Sports science is really an art dependent on science,” he says. “The thinking processof a sports scientist is very much the sameas a forensic detective. We are trained tolook for health clues.”
Raising Awareness With HelpFrom Hollywood
By drawing positive media coverageto his work, Dr. Perry has succeeded inraising public awareness of chiropracticand sports medicine. For example, in herbook Elizabeth Takes Off, ElizabethTaylor describes her experiences workingwith Dr. Perry on her posture, walking,and therapeutic exercises.
And in Shirley MacLaine’s bookDance While You Can, the actress writesabout how Dr. Perry helped rehabilitateher; in fact, she even dedicated the book tohim. While performing at the PantagesTheatre in Los Angeles, Shirley severely
injured her knee. She had to have surgeryand was told she would never dance again.Dr. Perry, who believes and sees what oth-ers call “impossible,” had Shirley dancingwithin five weeks. She also told theJournal that when she was having prob-lems with her neck at home in NewMexico, “Lee is the only doctor who wouldtravel that distance. He has always beenthere for his patients and always will be.”
George Hamilton, a patient and friendof Dr. Perry’s for many years, agrees. Hetold the Journal, “Lee has an inventor’smind and healing hands.”
Dixie Carter, of the successful TVseries Designing Women, maintains herhealth by relying on the wisdom of Dr.Perry. The actress told the Journal, “Dr.Perry’s knowledge and skill are unparal-leled. He has no agenda other than what isbest for his patients; and we, his patients,receive 100% of his gifts.”
In addition to being featured on thecover of Good Earth magazine withMariel Hemingway, Dr. Perry also shareda scene with her in the film Personal Best,working with screenwriter and directorRobert Towne. His other movie appear-ances include Truth or Dare (1991) withMadonna and Born Yesterday (1993) withDon Johnson, Melanie Griffith, and JohnGoodman. Dr. Perry also received special thanks in the credits for Clan of the Cave Bear (1986), starring Daryl Hannah; Dick Tracy (1990) and Bulworth (1998),both starring Warren Beatty; and The 13thWarrior (1999), starring AntonioBanderas.
Chiropractics Increasingly Popular
Once scorned by the medical estab-lishment, chiropractic treatment hasbecome quite respected, and many mem-bers of the chiropractic profession todayfeel that this is significantly due to Dr.Perry’s efforts. Chiropractic care is for
athletes and nonathletes alike, includingpeople who are experiencing age-related challenges. “The reason chiropractic hasbecome mainstream today,” Dr. Perrysays, “is because it works.” He oftenquotes Thomas Edison, who said, “Thedoctor of the future will give no medicine,but will interest his patients in the care ofthe human frame, in diet, and in the causeand prevention of disease.” Dr. Perrybelieves that chiropractic doctors are thedoctors of the future. “We are nondrug,nutrition-oriented, biomechanical practi-tioners.” Having been a doctor for 33years, Dr. Perry adds, “What ThomasEdison did not say was that the doctors ofthe future will only truly change thefuture of mankind if they are communi-cating and working together. No one pro-fession has all the answers. I have col-leagues in many specialties and we allwork together to help our patients. That is one of the reasons I like sports science. It is a team approach with onegoal: to enhance the potential of the human body.”
Treating and Teaching Patients Above all, particularly given
Americans’ worsening health today, Dr.Perry’s therapy offers a welcomeapproach: self-help. He and his colleaguesat ISI focus on educating patients as muchas treating them. In this, Dr. Perry echoesthe words of Hippocrates, one of theworld’s earliest doctors, who wrote, “Adoctor should be a teacher.”
ISI offers many unique therapies. Dr.Perry combines the best of ancient tradi-tions, such as yoga and acupuncture, withmodern technology, including magnetic
resonance therapy and enhanced externalcounter pulsation (EECP), a noninvasive,FDA-approved treatment for cardiovascu-lar problems. ISI works closely withphysicians and medical specialists from
many hospitals in the Los Angeles area,particularly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,Century City Hospital, St. John’sHospital, and UCLA Medical Center.
Hydrokinetic Spinal DistractionThe average patient comes to Dr.
Perry’s Institute because of back prob-lems and often has concerns about spinalalignment. Of course, this is a majorarea where chiropractic adjustment cangenerally help. But people from all overthe world come to ISI to learn about aspecific therapy Dr. Perry invented.Known as hydrokinetic spinal distrac-tion, this method involves being sus-pended in a pool with flotation devicesand weights to decompress the spine. Dr.Perry says, “This technique reduces the need for long-term spinal care. It is extremely helpful for scoliosis,herniated or bulging discs, sciatica,arthritis, and other spinal disorders.”
Healing Ions and UltrasoundFor certain inflammatory injuries and
chronic conditions, Dr. Perry adminis-ters a fascinating procedure called ion-tophoresis, during which a galvanic cur-rent is used to drive specially formulated
healing ions into theinflamed tissue. This isfollowed by phonophore-sis, the use of ultrasound.
Dr. Perry learned the special techniqueat the 1976 Olympics. Although it is a time-consuming therapy, more and more patients prefer it to painful cortisone injections.
People of all ages are attracted to Dr.Perry’s ISI and Athletic Club. Lately, hehas seen an increase in younger patients,especially those who spend long hoursin front of computers. Dr. Perry seesmany former athletes, who often havedegenerative arthritic problems in theirlater years due to accumulative impactand stress. Remarkably, Dr. Perry’sAthletic Club is also attracting newmembers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, whoenjoy working out under the supervisionof a private trainer.
Same Personal Treatment as a Pro Athlete
At Dr. Perry’s Athletic Club, mem-bers can receive the same personalizedtraining as Olympic and professionalathletes. Dr. Bob Delmonteque, anotherwell-known member of the Journal’sadvisory board, has been a patient of Dr.Perry’s for 30 years, and Joe Weider, thefounder and publisher of Muscle &Fitness magazine, has been going therefor 20 years. They both give Dr. Perry’sAthletic Club high praise, and it is eventhe primary photo location for Muscle &Fitness. Dr. Delmonteque told theJournal that Dr. Perry’s “ideals andmethods in the health and fitness indus-try have gained great respect from physi-cians and health care specialists aroundthe world.” He goes on to say that Dr.Perry “is the best.”
Joe Weider calls Dr. Perry “a giant ofa man” whose “knowledge and loyaltyare endless.” He says he has known Dr.Perry “for over 20 years and each ofthese years has been a great pleasure.
Dr. LeRoy Perry: Providing Health andWellness to Some Famous FriendsOn April 20, we celebrated the birthday of ouresteemed and longtime member of the Journal’sadvisory board, Dr. LeRoy Perry.by Judith Plowden
DOCTOR PROFILE
© 2006 Vol. 12 / No. 4 7
Dr. Perry with Rocket Car driver Stan Barrett
Joe Weider’s Birthday Greetings:“LeRoy, I respect you and love youand wish you all the very best that
life can bring, always!”
Dame Elizabeth Taylor’sBirthday Greetings:
“Dearest Lee, I love you very muchand thank you with all of my heart foreverything you have done for me—forso many years and always with such
compassion.”
Dr. Perry celebratingthe Fourth of Julywith Lou “TheIncredible Hulk”Ferrigno
6
LeRoy Perry, D.C., C.Ped., has beencalled a Renaissance man, a modern-dayHippocrates, and a Leonardo da Vinci ofour time. And you’ll see why, from histruly impressive array of talents andaccomplishments that identify him as aninventive thinker and doer.
As a chiropractor and innovator insports science, Dr. Perry has designedmany healing therapies as well as specialexercise equipment. His inventions are anintegral part of patient care at the West LosAngeles–based International SportscienceInstitute (ISI), of which he is the presidentand founder.
Dr. Perry was the first chiropractor toserve as an official Olympic team doctor,and did so five times. He has treated ath-letes from more than 45 countries, andduring the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, SouthKorea, NBC featured a report on his work.He has won many civic awards, includingthe Los Angeles Press Club’s HeadlinesAward in 1983. In 1995, Los AngelesMagazine named him “Best Chiropractorin Los Angeles.” Presently, he donates histime as chairman of the Sports Scienceand Medical Advisory Board forAmerica’s Schools Program, a national
recycling initiative that raises money foreducation. Of this project, Dr. Perry says,“President John F. Kennedy was right insaying that our children are our future. We must help our children now.”
With cofounder Wilt Chamberlain, Dr.Perry also created the Foundation forAthletic Research and Education, an organization that teaches athletes how toenhance performance through proper diet,exercise, and biomechanics. “Sports science is really an art dependent on science,” he says. “The thinking processof a sports scientist is very much the sameas a forensic detective. We are trained tolook for health clues.”
Raising Awareness With HelpFrom Hollywood
By drawing positive media coverageto his work, Dr. Perry has succeeded inraising public awareness of chiropracticand sports medicine. For example, in herbook Elizabeth Takes Off, ElizabethTaylor describes her experiences workingwith Dr. Perry on her posture, walking,and therapeutic exercises.
And in Shirley MacLaine’s bookDance While You Can, the actress writesabout how Dr. Perry helped rehabilitateher; in fact, she even dedicated the book tohim. While performing at the PantagesTheatre in Los Angeles, Shirley severely
injured her knee. She had to have surgeryand was told she would never dance again.Dr. Perry, who believes and sees what oth-ers call “impossible,” had Shirley dancingwithin five weeks. She also told theJournal that when she was having prob-lems with her neck at home in NewMexico, “Lee is the only doctor who wouldtravel that distance. He has always beenthere for his patients and always will be.”
George Hamilton, a patient and friendof Dr. Perry’s for many years, agrees. Hetold the Journal, “Lee has an inventor’smind and healing hands.”
Dixie Carter, of the successful TVseries Designing Women, maintains herhealth by relying on the wisdom of Dr.Perry. The actress told the Journal, “Dr.Perry’s knowledge and skill are unparal-leled. He has no agenda other than what isbest for his patients; and we, his patients,receive 100% of his gifts.”
In addition to being featured on thecover of Good Earth magazine withMariel Hemingway, Dr. Perry also shareda scene with her in the film Personal Best,working with screenwriter and directorRobert Towne. His other movie appear-ances include Truth or Dare (1991) withMadonna and Born Yesterday (1993) withDon Johnson, Melanie Griffith, and JohnGoodman. Dr. Perry also received special thanks in the credits for Clan of the Cave Bear (1986), starring Daryl Hannah; Dick Tracy (1990) and Bulworth (1998),both starring Warren Beatty; and The 13thWarrior (1999), starring AntonioBanderas.
Chiropractics Increasingly Popular
Once scorned by the medical estab-lishment, chiropractic treatment hasbecome quite respected, and many mem-bers of the chiropractic profession todayfeel that this is significantly due to Dr.Perry’s efforts. Chiropractic care is for
athletes and nonathletes alike, includingpeople who are experiencing age-related challenges. “The reason chiropractic hasbecome mainstream today,” Dr. Perrysays, “is because it works.” He oftenquotes Thomas Edison, who said, “Thedoctor of the future will give no medicine,but will interest his patients in the care ofthe human frame, in diet, and in the causeand prevention of disease.” Dr. Perrybelieves that chiropractic doctors are thedoctors of the future. “We are nondrug,nutrition-oriented, biomechanical practi-tioners.” Having been a doctor for 33years, Dr. Perry adds, “What ThomasEdison did not say was that the doctors ofthe future will only truly change thefuture of mankind if they are communi-cating and working together. No one pro-fession has all the answers. I have col-leagues in many specialties and we allwork together to help our patients. That is one of the reasons I like sports science. It is a team approach with onegoal: to enhance the potential of the human body.”
Treating and Teaching Patients Above all, particularly given
Americans’ worsening health today, Dr.Perry’s therapy offers a welcomeapproach: self-help. He and his colleaguesat ISI focus on educating patients as muchas treating them. In this, Dr. Perry echoesthe words of Hippocrates, one of theworld’s earliest doctors, who wrote, “Adoctor should be a teacher.”
ISI offers many unique therapies. Dr.Perry combines the best of ancient tradi-tions, such as yoga and acupuncture, withmodern technology, including magnetic
resonance therapy and enhanced externalcounter pulsation (EECP), a noninvasive,FDA-approved treatment for cardiovascu-lar problems. ISI works closely withphysicians and medical specialists from
many hospitals in the Los Angeles area,particularly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,Century City Hospital, St. John’sHospital, and UCLA Medical Center.
Hydrokinetic Spinal DistractionThe average patient comes to Dr.
Perry’s Institute because of back prob-lems and often has concerns about spinalalignment. Of course, this is a majorarea where chiropractic adjustment cangenerally help. But people from all overthe world come to ISI to learn about aspecific therapy Dr. Perry invented.Known as hydrokinetic spinal distrac-tion, this method involves being sus-pended in a pool with flotation devicesand weights to decompress the spine. Dr.Perry says, “This technique reduces the need for long-term spinal care. It is extremely helpful for scoliosis,herniated or bulging discs, sciatica,arthritis, and other spinal disorders.”
Healing Ions and UltrasoundFor certain inflammatory injuries and
chronic conditions, Dr. Perry adminis-ters a fascinating procedure called ion-tophoresis, during which a galvanic cur-rent is used to drive specially formulated
healing ions into theinflamed tissue. This isfollowed by phonophore-sis, the use of ultrasound.
Dr. Perry learned the special techniqueat the 1976 Olympics. Although it is a time-consuming therapy, more and more patients prefer it to painful cortisone injections.
People of all ages are attracted to Dr.Perry’s ISI and Athletic Club. Lately, hehas seen an increase in younger patients,especially those who spend long hoursin front of computers. Dr. Perry seesmany former athletes, who often havedegenerative arthritic problems in theirlater years due to accumulative impactand stress. Remarkably, Dr. Perry’sAthletic Club is also attracting newmembers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, whoenjoy working out under the supervisionof a private trainer.
Same Personal Treatment as a Pro Athlete
At Dr. Perry’s Athletic Club, mem-bers can receive the same personalizedtraining as Olympic and professionalathletes. Dr. Bob Delmonteque, anotherwell-known member of the Journal’sadvisory board, has been a patient of Dr.Perry’s for 30 years, and Joe Weider, thefounder and publisher of Muscle &Fitness magazine, has been going therefor 20 years. They both give Dr. Perry’sAthletic Club high praise, and it is eventhe primary photo location for Muscle &Fitness. Dr. Delmonteque told theJournal that Dr. Perry’s “ideals andmethods in the health and fitness indus-try have gained great respect from physi-cians and health care specialists aroundthe world.” He goes on to say that Dr.Perry “is the best.”
Joe Weider calls Dr. Perry “a giant ofa man” whose “knowledge and loyaltyare endless.” He says he has known Dr.Perry “for over 20 years and each ofthese years has been a great pleasure.
Dr. LeRoy Perry: Providing Health andWellness to Some Famous FriendsOn April 20, we celebrated the birthday of ouresteemed and longtime member of the Journal’sadvisory board, Dr. LeRoy Perry.by Judith Plowden
DOCTOR PROFILE
© 2006 Vol. 12 / No. 4 7
Dr. Perry with Rocket Car driver Stan Barrett
Joe Weider’s Birthday Greetings:“LeRoy, I respect you and love youand wish you all the very best that
life can bring, always!”
Dame Elizabeth Taylor’sBirthday Greetings:
“Dearest Lee, I love you very muchand thank you with all of my heart foreverything you have done for me—forso many years and always with such
compassion.”
Dr. Perry celebratingthe Fourth of Julywith Lou “TheIncredible Hulk”Ferrigno
6
Any one who is fortunate enough to bein contact with him will know what agood friend should be.”
Exercising His Inventive SideAs an inventor, Dr. Perry holds 12
patents. His inventions include thePerryBand™, an exercise system knownas a “complete gym in a bag” that isused by athletes all over the world; theDr. Perry Posture Lift Mattress; hisHappy Back Seat Cushions; his HomeCervical Traction System, CervicalPillows, and Cervical Collars for neckhealth; and his adjustable Bad BackSupports with ice packs, which arevery popular with back-pain sufferersand laborers. In addition, he developedthe Universal Scissors/Shears for sportsmedicine, which are used by NASA, themilitary, and police and fire depart-ments. He also designed the seat for theBudweiser Rocket Car owned by moviedirector Hal Needham. In this car, pro-fessional stuntman Stan Barrett brokethe sound barrier in 1979, clocking in at739.6 mph on the NASA shuttle landingstrip at Edwards Air Force Base.Following his passion for speed anddrag-racing motorcycles, Dr. Perry alsodesigned a supercharger for HarleyDavidson Motorcycles.
Of all of his inventions, Dr. Perry’sInvertabod has perhaps gained the mostmedia attention around the world. Thisupside-down A-frame device is used tostretch and strengthen back and abdominalmuscles in order to decompress the spineand help relieve back pain. Dr. Perry wasfeatured in LIFE magazine alongside JaneFonda, who was shown suspended fromthe Invertabod. He also appeared in CitySports Magazine with Jack Nicholson and
Wilt Chamberlain (this time, it was Wilthanging upside down on his invention!).
Focus on Foot HealthWorking with athletes gave Dr. Perry a
special interest in the biomechanics of the foot. But it wasn’t until 1991, whileworking with Nikki Haire, a backupsinger/dancer on Madonna’s BlondAmbition Tour, that he put his skills to thetest. An accident had left Nikki unable todance, as she had torn all of the ligamentsin her ankle. Every orthopedist she con-sulted wanted to operate, which wouldhave jeopardized her spot on the tour.However, Dr. Perry used a techniquecalled functional taping, which mimicsthe support of the tendons, ligaments, andmuscles of the ankle. Then, with the helpof master shoemaker Pasqual Di Fabrizio,he designed a stabilizing shoe with special
ankle support that, in combination withhis taping technique, allowed Nikki todance. With the help of Dr. Perry’s specialshoe, she never missed a performance. Infact, Madonna liked the functionality andfashionable design so much that sheordered a pair for herself and the otherbackup singer/dancer on the tour.
Dr. Perry says, “We feel foot health isextremely important. Patients who don’twalk correctly or have improper alignmentof their feet are more likely to experienceknee, hip, and back pain, which could leadto degenerative conditions such as arthri-tis. All this could have been preventedwith proper education on foot health.”
Feet Are the Body’s FoundationRecognizing this, Dr. Perry studied at
the Eneslow Pedorthic Institute in associ-ation with the New York Podiatric Schoolof Medicine and became a nationally certified pedorthist—that is, a specialist in shoe anatomy, design, and function, aswell as foot biomechanics. “Just remem-ber, your feet and the shoes you wear arethe foundation of your body,” Dr. Perry
advises. “If they are unstable, it starts achain reaction creating compensatorystress. Be kind to your feet and wear thecorrect shoes; make sure you haveenough room, good arch support, andoverall stability!”
When Dr. Perry heard reports of U.S.soldiers suffering from ankle, knee, hip,and back injuries, he applied his stabiliz-ing shoe concept to military gear. He real-ized that he could help soldiers reducestress on their joints from the impact ofwalking, running, and jumping by design-ing a special “propulsive sole” to enhancethe push-off phase of movement. Hisdesign is also useful for police officers,firefighters, and anyone concerned withreducing the impact of walking, which Dr.Perry calls “another reason we have somany arthritic problems with backs, hips,and knee joints.”
Propelling the Foot By propelling the foot, Dr. Perry’s
shoe design not only protects the joints,but also helps lift the body upward, therebystrengthening the buttocks, abdomen, andupper back while reinforcing proper pos-tural alignment. Both men and womenwho have worn his propulsive-soledshoes report that they feel younger andtaller, have more spring in their step, andmove with less effort.
Dr. Perry has written feature articlesfor a variety of magazines and other pub-lications, including Muscle & Fitness,Parade, and Reader’s Digest. Whileworking with Glamour magazine on anarticle about high-heeled shoes, Dr. Perryrealized that no matter how much pain ordiscomfort these shoes may cause, manywomen are willing to suffer for the sake offashion. He therefore decided to adapt hispropulsive-sole concept for high heels,with great success. Dr. Perry is in theprocess of applying for patents on hispropulsive shoes in numerous styles andapplications and hopes to introduce themto the market next year.
Fuel for the BodyWhile therapeutic exercises offer
many health benefits, Dr. Perry alsoemphasizes the importance of good nutri-tion—that is, supplying the proper fuel forthe body’s metabolic processes. Hebelieves that most people don’t drink
enough water, and he is currently finish-ing a book that will explain the vitalimportance of adequate water intake. Healso advocates a pro-alkaline diet and isa great believer in antioxidants andomega-3 fish oils.
Health Enhancement ProgramsISI offers one-day, weekend, and one-
week health enhancement seminars titled“Beyond Exercise and Therapy” thatteach people how to help themselves.These programs are especially helpful forpeople with chronic back problems. Free,one-hour lectures are available to the pub-
lic on many self-help topics, includingweight management and exercises to
strengthen the back and abdominal mus-cles. In addition, Dr. Bradley Frederickteaches Satori classes, which include aunique combination of relaxation andstress management techniques. The goalof each ISI program is to promote maxi-mum fitness, health, and happiness.
Help YourselfWith a few important lifestyle changes,
you can improve your body’s potential andyour quality of life. But, as Dr. Perryemphasizes, it starts with you. Above all, hisstyle of sports science and chiropractictreatment is one that empowers the patient.“You are never too young or too old to learnto help yourself,” he says. “It just takes goodcoaching and your participation.”
For more information on Dr. LeRoyPerry, the International SportscienceInstitute, and his health enhance-ment seminars, visit him online atwww.drleroyperry.com.
Dr. Perry says, “Challengesare life’s opportunities. You
are never too young or too oldto learn to help yourself.”
George Hamilton’s Birthday Greetings:
“Lee, so many friends have been helped by you—you’re like a bridge
over troubled waters for all of us. Mayyour health be as good as the health
of everyone you’ve helped!”
Dr. Perry at ISI with one of his inventions, theCervical Decompression System.
Any one who is fortunate enough to bein contact with him will know what agood friend should be.”
Exercising His Inventive SideAs an inventor, Dr. Perry holds 12
patents. His inventions include thePerryBand™, an exercise system knownas a “complete gym in a bag” that isused by athletes all over the world; theDr. Perry Posture Lift Mattress; hisHappy Back Seat Cushions; his HomeCervical Traction System, CervicalPillows, and Cervical Collars for neckhealth; and his adjustable Bad BackSupports with ice packs, which arevery popular with back-pain sufferersand laborers. In addition, he developedthe Universal Scissors/Shears for sportsmedicine, which are used by NASA, themilitary, and police and fire depart-ments. He also designed the seat for theBudweiser Rocket Car owned by moviedirector Hal Needham. In this car, pro-fessional stuntman Stan Barrett brokethe sound barrier in 1979, clocking in at739.6 mph on the NASA shuttle landingstrip at Edwards Air Force Base.Following his passion for speed anddrag-racing motorcycles, Dr. Perry alsodesigned a supercharger for HarleyDavidson Motorcycles.
Of all of his inventions, Dr. Perry’sInvertabod has perhaps gained the mostmedia attention around the world. Thisupside-down A-frame device is used tostretch and strengthen back and abdominalmuscles in order to decompress the spineand help relieve back pain. Dr. Perry wasfeatured in LIFE magazine alongside JaneFonda, who was shown suspended fromthe Invertabod. He also appeared in CitySports Magazine with Jack Nicholson and
Wilt Chamberlain (this time, it was Wilthanging upside down on his invention!).
Focus on Foot HealthWorking with athletes gave Dr. Perry a
special interest in the biomechanics of the foot. But it wasn’t until 1991, whileworking with Nikki Haire, a backupsinger/dancer on Madonna’s BlondAmbition Tour, that he put his skills to thetest. An accident had left Nikki unable todance, as she had torn all of the ligamentsin her ankle. Every orthopedist she con-sulted wanted to operate, which wouldhave jeopardized her spot on the tour.However, Dr. Perry used a techniquecalled functional taping, which mimicsthe support of the tendons, ligaments, andmuscles of the ankle. Then, with the helpof master shoemaker Pasqual Di Fabrizio,he designed a stabilizing shoe with special
ankle support that, in combination withhis taping technique, allowed Nikki todance. With the help of Dr. Perry’s specialshoe, she never missed a performance. Infact, Madonna liked the functionality andfashionable design so much that sheordered a pair for herself and the otherbackup singer/dancer on the tour.
Dr. Perry says, “We feel foot health isextremely important. Patients who don’twalk correctly or have improper alignmentof their feet are more likely to experienceknee, hip, and back pain, which could leadto degenerative conditions such as arthri-tis. All this could have been preventedwith proper education on foot health.”
Feet Are the Body’s FoundationRecognizing this, Dr. Perry studied at
the Eneslow Pedorthic Institute in associ-ation with the New York Podiatric Schoolof Medicine and became a nationally certified pedorthist—that is, a specialist in shoe anatomy, design, and function, aswell as foot biomechanics. “Just remem-ber, your feet and the shoes you wear arethe foundation of your body,” Dr. Perry
advises. “If they are unstable, it starts achain reaction creating compensatorystress. Be kind to your feet and wear thecorrect shoes; make sure you haveenough room, good arch support, andoverall stability!”
When Dr. Perry heard reports of U.S.soldiers suffering from ankle, knee, hip,and back injuries, he applied his stabiliz-ing shoe concept to military gear. He real-ized that he could help soldiers reducestress on their joints from the impact ofwalking, running, and jumping by design-ing a special “propulsive sole” to enhancethe push-off phase of movement. Hisdesign is also useful for police officers,firefighters, and anyone concerned withreducing the impact of walking, which Dr.Perry calls “another reason we have somany arthritic problems with backs, hips,and knee joints.”
Propelling the Foot By propelling the foot, Dr. Perry’s
shoe design not only protects the joints,but also helps lift the body upward, therebystrengthening the buttocks, abdomen, andupper back while reinforcing proper pos-tural alignment. Both men and womenwho have worn his propulsive-soledshoes report that they feel younger andtaller, have more spring in their step, andmove with less effort.
Dr. Perry has written feature articlesfor a variety of magazines and other pub-lications, including Muscle & Fitness,Parade, and Reader’s Digest. Whileworking with Glamour magazine on anarticle about high-heeled shoes, Dr. Perryrealized that no matter how much pain ordiscomfort these shoes may cause, manywomen are willing to suffer for the sake offashion. He therefore decided to adapt hispropulsive-sole concept for high heels,with great success. Dr. Perry is in theprocess of applying for patents on hispropulsive shoes in numerous styles andapplications and hopes to introduce themto the market next year.
Fuel for the BodyWhile therapeutic exercises offer
many health benefits, Dr. Perry alsoemphasizes the importance of good nutri-tion—that is, supplying the proper fuel forthe body’s metabolic processes. Hebelieves that most people don’t drink
enough water, and he is currently finish-ing a book that will explain the vitalimportance of adequate water intake. Healso advocates a pro-alkaline diet and isa great believer in antioxidants andomega-3 fish oils.
Health Enhancement ProgramsISI offers one-day, weekend, and one-
week health enhancement seminars titled“Beyond Exercise and Therapy” thatteach people how to help themselves.These programs are especially helpful forpeople with chronic back problems. Free,one-hour lectures are available to the pub-
lic on many self-help topics, includingweight management and exercises to
strengthen the back and abdominal mus-cles. In addition, Dr. Bradley Frederickteaches Satori classes, which include aunique combination of relaxation andstress management techniques. The goalof each ISI program is to promote maxi-mum fitness, health, and happiness.
Help YourselfWith a few important lifestyle changes,
you can improve your body’s potential andyour quality of life. But, as Dr. Perryemphasizes, it starts with you. Above all, hisstyle of sports science and chiropractictreatment is one that empowers the patient.“You are never too young or too old to learnto help yourself,” he says. “It just takes goodcoaching and your participation.”
For more information on Dr. LeRoyPerry, the International SportscienceInstitute, and his health enhance-ment seminars, visit him online atwww.drleroyperry.com.
Dr. Perry says, “Challengesare life’s opportunities. You
are never too young or too oldto learn to help yourself.”
George Hamilton’s Birthday Greetings:
“Lee, so many friends have been helped by you—you’re like a bridge
over troubled waters for all of us. Mayyour health be as good as the health
of everyone you’ve helped!”
Dr. Perry at ISI with one of his inventions, theCervical Decompression System.
