Our Process for Custom Braces
3D Movement Analysis
Funding
Here at Guelph Orthotics, our custom braces are designed and built using the most advanced, effective, and precise technology and technique. We have developed knee-ankle foot orthoses (KAFOs), ankle-foot orthothoses (AFOs) braces, back braces, and a wide variety of other custom supportive devices for many of our patients. We believe in providing braces that are fully customized to your unique needs.
We’re able to provide such a high level of care and customization because our braces are made in our in-house fabrication facility using the most technologically-advanced equipment and materials. We do not have a menu of braces to choose from as we respect the differences and challenges that each individual presents with. We will work with you to understand your condition, so we can design and fabricate a brace that is specifically designed to maximize your mobility and quality of life.
The Process
At our first visit, we will perform a complete bio-mechanical assessment, including analysis with our 3D motion analysis system (see below). We will discuss your needs, goals and symptoms. We
will work out a design in conjunction with you to come up with the best possible solution. We will then start the paperwork necessary to access funding through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), described below. At this appointment we may then also take a cast to capture the 3 dimensional shape of the limb. This first appointment typically takes 45 -60 minutes.
Once we have taken a cast it takes us roughly 1-3 weeks to fabricate a custom brace depending on the complexity of the device. This work takes place in our in-house fabrication facility.
The second appointment will be the fitting appointment. During this meeting, we will work together to ensure the orthotic brace has the perfect fit and feel to meet your needs. You can try the brace for as long as it takes to determine if it’s right for you, and we will make any necessary “finishing touches” in our fabrication lab. You will most likely leave with the brace after this appointment, however occasionally we will decide to keep the brace for a few more days to make changes based on your feedback, to ensure we get the perfect fit and functionality.
Once we are confident the brace is ideal for you, We will go over a wearing schedule and what to look out for during this appointment. We will also book a follow-up appointment at this time for two weeks after you have received the brace to go over any issues that may have come up. You will never be charged for any of these appointments or follow-up appointments thereafter, as we are 100% committed to making sure you get the help you need.
3D Movement Analysis
Guelph Orthotics delivers the highest standard of orthotic solutions, because we have invested in the most advanced orthotic assessment, analysis, and production technology available today.
Our cutting-edge assessment lab allows us to capture a detailed analysis of your movement prior to treatment, and compare this with your post-treatment results to ensure that we have corrected and optimized your movement. See the video below for an example of a real recording of patient.
A traditional orthotic patient assessment includes Observational Gait Analysis: In plain English, the orthotist will watch the patient walk and take notes.
This type of assessment has significant limitations. The human gait is so complex and multi-dimensional, it is impossible to do a sophisticated assessment with just the naked eye. In the past, clinicians have traditionally used qualitative descriptors to analyze gait. But this shallow level of analysis does not provide nearly the same precision and accuracy as 3D Motion Analysis.
In the Guelph Orthotics lab, we have a more powerful, more accurate, and more advanced solution. We attach nine sensors to your body, and these sensors wirelessly relay their relative positional data to our computer at a rate of 200 measurements per second. This kinematic data gives us a precise numerical description of how your body moves. This analysis helps us design an optimal device (brace or foot orthotic) to suit your needs, and then test how effective it is.
Our high-tech approach provides a level of analysis that simply isn’t possible with traditional observational gait analysis. We offer our patients precise, accurate, quantitative assessments, such as: “The rearfoot reached 10 degrees of eversion at midstance and the center of pressure has moved medially 15mm with a pressure of 25mmhg under the 1st metatarsal head’.
The difference between these two approaches is night and day.
Funding
Many types of clinics (physiotherapy, chiropractors, wellness etc) offer off-the-shelf bracing. At Guelph Orthotics we offer these services as well. The difference is that we employ a nationally Certified Orthotist (through Orthotics and Prosthetics Canada). This credential identifies Guelph Orthotics as ‘bracing experts’ by the Government of Ontario, and allows you to make use of the Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Through the ADP, we have access to the necessary funding for custom braces.
This funding is available to anyone with a valid health card who is in need of a custom brace. At Guelph Orthotics, we will help you complete the paperwork required to access this funding. This funding provides 75-100% of the cost of the device. Any remaining costs can be put through 3rd party insurance. We can also access funding through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) as well as Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and Veterans Affairs.
How To Get Started
Are you in need of a custom orthotic brace for your ankle, knee, leg, or back? Do you have a need for an orthotic brace that cannot be addressed through a basic “off the shelf” brace? If so, we would love to sit down for an initial assessment and talk about how Guelph Orthotics can help you move, walk, run, play, live and GO.
Give us a call at 519-341-0303 or book an appointment online here.