General Catalogue 2023 DIGITAL

152 The Changing Face of Podiatry These days, podiatry has at its disposal innovative forward-looking technolo- gy. Ergonomically desig- ned and beautifully shaped equipment makes the work easier, as well as safer and more pleasant for the custo- mer and the podiatrist. The house of GERLACH has significantly influenced this development and driven it forward. GERLACH TECHNIK has been making its name since 1965 with the development and promotion of apparatus, instruments and equipment. The first Gerlach foot care device with a micromotor handpiece and centrifugal clutch came onto the market as early as 1970. This was followed by the first foot care cabinet with in- tegrated dust extraction - an important step on the way to health care with the help of foot care technology. In the next few years, the micromotors became increa- singly more effective, with less vibration and even higher revs. Better designed millers, burrs and grinders also reduced unpleasant vibrations. At the same time, hand pieces became lighter and slimmer. The house of GERLACH has been a podiatry partner for 150 years, taking its stimulus from practical experience and developing a range designed to meet the require- ments of the professional. The umbrella brands GEH- WOL and GERLACH TECHNIK traditionally stand for pioneering work both in range of products and in prac- tice equipment. Continuous efforts are made to improve working conditions in podiatry, backing innovation and comprehensive service. It is our aim to stand as an adviser to interested parties, so it is important that our programme does not become confusing as a result of unnecessary duplication. When selecting instruments and equipment, experienced practitioners tend to decide on the GERLACH range. With their help, we have developed a practice-orien- ted, up-to-date range without any out of date or super- fluous products, which meets all the requirements of modern medical and cosmetic foot care. Until the 1960s, almost all instruments used in foot care were not motorised. The height of patient chairs could hardly be adjusted at all and the person treating the patient crouched over in front of the client in an unhealthy position. The use of apparatus in foot care began with slow running wave apparatus and thick heavy motorised hand pieces. Dust from grindings was an unsolved problem and hygiene in the medical sense was not pursued. Poorly lit work places damaged the eyes and endangered the foot beingtreated. In brief: it was an uncomfortable, laborious and even unhealthy business. 1969 1970 1970 1974 1978 1983 1988 T H E C H A NG I NG F A C E O F P O D I AT R Y GERLACH TECHNIK