Adult Orthotics
A significant number of individuals – men and women, young and old – experience difficulty with the simplest of day-to-day activities because of mobility dysfunctions.
Whether caused by an injury or chronic disease, the inability of anyone to comfortably walk or move around can be disheartening and keeps people from enjoying life.
At Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates, we work every day with patients who benefit greatly from the use of a variety of different lower limb extremity orthotics. Lower extremity orthotics describes braces and supports designed for the leg, hip, knee, ankle and foot and can be used for a range of needs from stability to immobilization.
The highly educated clinical team at POA works every day with patients who are living with limitations that are the result of a stroke, MLS, ALS, traumatic accidents or other forms of partial paralysis. By dedicating significant time into understanding each patient’s needs and their specific clinical condition, our clinicians are able to determine the best possible orthotic solution that can create the optimal outcome for each patient.
Conventional Bracing
Lower limb orthotic devices have been used for decades to improve a patient’s function by controlling motion, providing support stabilizing gait, reducing pain, correcting flexible deformities, and preventing or correcting deformities.
The team at POA is familiar with a wide range of options, including custom carbon fiber designs, so that we can find the perfect option for your functional needs and lifestyle
Orthotronic Mobility Systems (C-Brace)
Our clinic has been trained in, and fit, the only microprocessor controlled bracing option available. With its dynamic control system and low-profile design, it has increased the potential of many patients. Contact us to find out more information and determine if this option is right for you.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Clinicians at POA often consider the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) as a proven option that can restore typical nerve-to-muscle signals in the leg and foot, effectively lifting the foot at the appropriate time. Under the right conditions, FES offers a simple alternative to conventional bracing.
Spinal Orthotics
There are many different types of spinal orthotic devices, or back braces, to help accommodate the wide range of neck or spinal conditions that patients may be living with every day.
The Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates’ clinical team has decades of experience in caring for patients who need highly customized spinal orthosis due to conditions including scoliosis, spinal cord injury, spinal fractures or other conditions that cause abnormal curvature of the spine.
Upper Limb Orthotics
Many different health conditions can lead to restrictions in the ability of a person to use their fingers, hand, arm, and shoulder. Whether it be caused by a stroke, MS, ALS, some form of partial paralysis, or a traumatic accident, patients living with limited use of their upper extremities can experience significant pain and limitations to what they can accomplish in their daily lives.
Our extensive experience in upper limb prosthetics leaves the clinicians at POA well-positioned to handle even the most complicated cases. We use a combination of traditional bracing concepts and new technologies to create a device with the best outcome.
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How much will this orthotic device cost meThis is a very difficult question to answer as the pricing can vary greatly depending on the type of device and your insurance benefits. Our administrative team will review your insurance benefits and will give you a detailed estimate of your potential cost. Please keep in mind that these are only estimates as insurance carriers reserve final payment decisions until a medical review is conducted. Please direct any financial questions to the administrative team.
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When can I expect to receive my new orthosis?If you are being issued a prefabricated device, you may receive it on the day of your first appointment but that will likely depend on your specific insurance company. At POA, we take proper insurance billing very serious. Certain paperwork (prescriptions, physician documentation, pre-authorization, and letter of medical need) will need to be in your file before we can deliver your device to you. This may delay your delivery, and we may ask you to contact your physician if we are missing anything. If you are being fit with a custom device, that type of orthosis requires fabrication either in our fabrication lab or in combination with an outside facility. Depending on your paperwork and the ability to obtain any specialized parts, your project could take 3-5 weeks to complete. Be assured that we will be working hard to fabricate your device as quickly as possible.
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How long will an orthosis last?The life of an orthotic device is very dependent on how it is worn along with how the orthosis is cared for and maintained. Most insurance will only allow for a new orthosis to be provided every three to five years unless there has been a significant change in your condition. The justification for replacement of an orthosis will need to be documented by your physician along with a new prescription. Follow up appointments with your orthotist every 6 months help to determine how well your device is functioning.
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Is my orthosis going to be ugly?Depending on your specific orthoses, your device may not be the most fashionable thing you can wear. We offer a variety of color and design options that will help to make your orthotic device look as “non-medical” as possible. Keep in mind that the intent of the orthosis is not to wow the fashionistas, but to help you regain your functional lifestyle.
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What do we do if I hate my brace?We are happy to adjust any orthotic device to meet your goals, and we will work with you to make this process as stress free as possible. You need to keep in mind, however, that your orthosis is a custom-made, medical device that is created to help you with specific functional limitations that you are experiencing. If you are hesitant about using an orthotic device, please discuss your concerns with your medical team and the POA staff prior to committing to a device.
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How will I be evaluated for my new orthotic device?Your orthotist will conduct a very detailed assessment to determine the proper orthosis for you. Walking evaluations, muscle strength, flexibility, and lifestyle goals are categories that will be focused on during your examination. Measurements are recorded and for custom devices an impression of the body region requiring the orthosis will be taken. Impressions, or “casts”, come in all shapes and sizes, and use a variety of materials.
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Are there color options available?We offer a wide array of colors, design sleeves, skin pigmentations, and padding colors to help the appearance of your orthotic device. Please ask your orthotist about these options.
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Will my orthosis fit perfectly when I receive it?Due to the nature of orthotic devices, whether custom or prefabricated, slight adjustments may be necessary for many braces. When you arrive for your delivery, you will wear your device in the office and do a variety of small activities with your orthotist. We will perform all of the immediate adjustments that are necessary at that time. Once comfortable, although perhaps not perfect, we will have you wear the orthosis to break it in over a period of 2-3 weeks. Most remaining issues resolve on their own as you become accustom to the new device. At your first follow up appointment, we will seek to resolve the remaining issues.