Orthotics Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

An orthosis is a term for a medical device that is applied externally to help the user with one or more various issues. These include reducing pain, increasing mobility, protecting an injury, supporting a disability, and ensuring the area is properly aligned. These devices may also be known as a brace or an orthotic.

An Orthotist is a professional in healthcare that provides orthoses. They also fit orthoses to injured, unstable or any body part that needs support. They also align orthotics to make sure they fit you properly. Also, an Orthotist creates custom-fit and designed braces and splints. A doctor will prescribe an orthotic which you will then bring to an Orthotist.

You may have seen across the site that all our Orthotists have certificates. What does one need to be a Certified Orthotist and provide the best care? A Certified Orthotist in Canada needs a certification from the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO). Also, Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC) is the organization that offers this certification. You can find more about the requirements here.

An orthosis is often prescribed by a doctor for your needs. If you have some sort of physical deformity, post-surgery, to help with an injury, arthritis, or other conditions an orthosis can be helpful with your condition.

If you have been recommended exercise to help with your rehabilitation, you should also do your exercises after you get your orthosis. An orthosis will help support the area and help with the healing process. But it is just a part of the healing process and rehabilitation exercise will help improve your range of motion and the healing process if used with the orthosis.

Depending on the orthotic, how long you wear it each day or how many days you wear the orthotic will vary depending on where it is. Our certified Orthotists are here to help you understand your orthosis, contact us today if you need assistance.

It is important to keep your orthosis clean and in working order. Depending on the type of orthotic you have, these instructions may change but in general, follow these instructions if you are able.

1. Rinse the orthotic
2. Using gentle dish soap, rub every part of the orthotic with the soap
3. Rinse the soap off
4. Dry the orthotic off with a towel

Yes, there are four main types of knee braces.

• Unloading
  • These braces are used to relieve pressure from the knee. They are also useful for people with osteoarthritis as they will help unload the weight from the more damaged part of the knee to the less damaged part.
• Rehabilitation
  • These braces are used to help the recovery process post-injury or post-surgery. They limit movement to the knee while healing and also support the knee and alleviate pain.
• Prophylactic
  • These are used to support the MCL in the knee. They also help prevent the ligaments from being damaged.
• Functional
  • A knee brace that is useful for ACL injuries. They are also useful for minor PCL and MCL instability.

Absolutely. Contact your doctor first to know if you should run with the brace. But, a brace is a good option for runners to help support the impact the knees take while running. They also can help prolong the health of knees by stabilizing and supporting the knee.

It is a good idea to wear your brace whenever you are doing when recommended by a doctor or doing physical activities. This could be sports, walking, running, and also any time you have pain in your knees. If you have a knee brace for an injury or also post-surgery, you should wear your brace at the start of the healing process and then talk to an Orthotist or your doctor to know how long you should wear the device.

It depends on the type of knee brace you have, for example, if you have a rehabilitative knee brace, you should wear it until your injury or the surgery has healed. For a meniscus injury, It generally takes six weeks for the meniscus to heal post-surgery. Also, a knee brace is a good tool if you doing physical activity.

Wrist orthotics can help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by keeping the wrist in a neutral position and reducing pressure on the median nerve. This can help reduce inflammation and swelling and improve blood flow to the affected area. Wrist orthotics can also help to prevent the condition from getting worse and aid in the recovery process. Wearing an immobilizer orthotic while sleeping is useful because at night we tend to bend our wrists which can put pressure on the median nerve. Compression sleeves are also quite useful to help alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome while also allowing a full range of motion.

The length of time that you should wear your wrist orthotic for carpal tunnel syndrome will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual recovery. Generally, it is recommended to wear the orthotic for as long as it takes to alleviate symptoms, which can range from a few hours a day to 24 hours a day. It is important to note that a wrist orthotic should not be worn for an extended period of time without rest as it may cause further damage. It’s best to consult with your doctor or our certified Orthortists about the specific duration and how often you should wear it. It’s also important to monitor your symptoms, as the orthotic may need to be adjusted or worn for a different duration as your condition improves.

Wrist orthotics can help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. They can also be used to help treat other conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and repetitive strain injuries. Wrist orthotics are often used after surgery, to protect or support an injury or help support a weakened wrist also. If you have any questions about if a wrist brace is right for you, contact us and we will be glad to help.

Back braces such as a Thoracolumbosacral (TLSO) are used to treat a variety of conditions, including herniated discs, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis. They can also be used to provide support and stability to the back during recovery from injury or surgery.

In some cases, you can use a device to exercise and also do sports. It is a case-by-case basis and also depends on the severity of the condition. Some back braces, for example, flexible back braces, are designed specifically for exercise and activity. Other braces are meant to be worn during periods of rest and limited movement. Consult with a doctor or physical therapist before beginning any exercise routine while wearing a back brace.

The length a back brace should be worn depends on the condition and also will depend on the individual being treated. Consult a doctor or physical therapist to know how long to wear the brace, as well as any other instructions on how to properly use the device.