Dr. Scott sits down with Dr. Edward Glaser, founder of Sole Supports, to discuss the science behind custom orthotics and groundbreaking pain relief methods. From helping elite military units avoid discharge to creating healthier movement for everyday patients, Dr. Glaser shares how biomechanics and innovation can transform lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health, mobility, and lasting pain relief.
Dr. Scott: I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. And thank you also for being a customer of ours.
Dr. Glaser: I’ve been a customer for quite a few years. I started when my practice was in Centerville. I remember visiting the Sole Supports factory on Highway 7. I loved that people could actually come in and see the process—it made it real.
Dr. Scott: That’s fantastic. The purpose of my podcast is to highlight local healthcare professionals and services. Sole Supports is a wonderful local success story, and I’ve personally used the orthotics for over 12 years. Could you share how you got started and what makes your orthotics unique?
Dr. Glaser: It began in college. I tried to double major in mechanical engineering and pre-med but ended up finishing neither. After saving money as an engineer, I went back to school and chose podiatry. I had volunteered in many departments at a hospital, but when I spent time with podiatrists, it just clicked.
I noticed, however, that the biomechanics they used didn’t line up with physics. So I set out to reinvent foot biomechanics based on Newton’s laws. The solution was simple: raise the arch fully and apply the right amount of force, calibrated to each person’s body weight and flexibility. That’s what makes Sole Supports unique.
Dr. Scott: That’s incredible. You’ve lectured all over the world on this, haven’t you?
Dr. Glaser: Yes, at over 1,500 medical conventions. And we’ve been able to help not just the general public, but also professional athletes and the military. One breakthrough was calibrating orthotics for soldiers carrying 80–100 pound packs. We created different pairs—one for body weight alone, one for body weight plus pack—and the results were amazing. At Fort Bragg, some soldiers who were about to be discharged due to pain became pain-free and stayed in the service.
Dr. Scott: That’s life-changing work.
Dr. Glaser: It really is. We’ve since expanded to dozens of military bases, even Guantanamo. The demand is huge, and we always prioritize the military because deployment can come at any moment.
Dr. Scott: Beyond orthotics, I know you’ve also focused on pain relief techniques.
Dr. Glaser: Yes. In 2014 I learned a light-touch method that resets the body’s pain feedback loop. By stimulating certain points on the foot and body, chronic pain can disappear in minutes. It doesn’t fix structural problems, but it removes pain so patients can move forward with rehab. Combined with orthotics, it’s extremely powerful. I’ve demonstrated it at medical and chiropractic associations, and I’m eager to train more doctors so the knowledge doesn’t disappear with me.
Dr. Scott: That’s fascinating. It’s clear you’ve dedicated your career to innovation and helping people. Thank you for sharing your story and for being such a valuable resource to our community.
Dr. Glaser: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.