Orthoses are only a small part of our clients’ incredible lives, but they are a big part of ours. We take great pride in each unique design. At Access Orthotics, we fabricate orthoses from a range of materials for their related properties. Each material then has its own colour finish options. And we can even emboss your chosen pictures on ankle foot orthoses (AFO) or print lattice patens through wrist hand orthoses (WHO). Check out our colour choices and designs – what will you choose?
Supra Malleolar Orthosis (SMO)
Supra Malleoli Orthoses come just above the ankle bones. They support mild medial lateral ankle instability (coronal and transverse plane), while still allowing full dorsiflexion and plantar flexion through your ankle (sagittal plane). Free ankle movement front to back, support ankles side to side.
We have developed unique flexible SMOs that we 3D print in-house, these have pockets of cushioning under the foot for support and comfort. Our custom-designed supportive rings control mild pronation or supination and have no buckles or straps to bulk out your shoes.
These are great – but not the answer to everything – this combination can’t be used if you have plantarflexion contractures, or moderate to serve pronation, or toe drop while walking, or to control knee hyperextension or crouch. That’s when we need the next level of support AFOs.
Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO)
Ankle Foot Orthoses come up your leg to just below your knee. From your assessment, we create evidence-based prescriptions for your optimal AFO design. AFOs are used to help you achieve different goals, such as increased safety when walking - to move boxes at work, or reaching a developmental goal of single stance stability - to kick a soccer ball.
Our Custom-made AFOs are 3D modeled with accurate optimal alignment, purposeful trim lines, and integrated heel alignment. We design using different materials for their different properties of strength or cushioning. Of course, they all come in fabulous different colours and we also encourage personalisation of AFOs with DFX embossed images.
The clinicians at Access Orthotics all have advanced training in the Optimal Segmental Kinematic Alignment (OSKAR) approach to rehabilitation as an evidence-based method of treating clients with lower limb neurological conditions. This approach was originally published in 2010 by Elaine Owen MBE MSc SRP MCSP, a world-renowned and extensively published UK Physiotherapist. Our clinical assessments, orthotic designs, outcome reviews, and now BTS Vector Gait Lab all link into our evidence-based approach to orthotic care.
Foot Orthotic (FO)
Foot Orthotics are designed to protect, offload and support optimal foundation alignment. After our assessment, we can prescribe and supply prefabricated foot orthotics molded to your shoes or fully custom-made 3D pressure scanned and designed foot orthotics, all milled in-house. It is important to establish the purpose of using foot orthotics and appropriate shoe combinations to work effectively with your prescription.
We scan in full weight bearing and then scan again with your optimal corrected foot alignment. This allows us to map out and 3D design your custom-made foot orthotics. As your files are digital, we can track changes over time, and compare your scans.
Your custom-designed foot orthotics are 3D milled from dual-density compressive EVA foam, providing support and shock absorption. We custom grind your foot orthotics to your shoe last and shape, so remember to bring your shoes to your fitting appointment.
Knee Orthosis (KO)
Knee Orthoses or commonly known as knee braces, provide support and limit damaging motions of the knee. We can create custom-made knee orthoses or prescribe and supply prefabricated KO options for cruciate ligament strains, arthritis, patella instability, and/or joint contractures.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses start at the upper thigh and go all the way to your foot. They are always custom-made and often require additional fitting appointments. The aim of a KAFO is to make standing and walking safer and less painful by providing increased stability at the knee and ankle, while indirectly affecting hip stability through a prescribed alignment. We 3D scan or fiberglass cast for fabrication of nylon11/carbon fibre/or polypropylene KAFOs. Linked therapy and regular reviews are essential for good client outcomes.
Wrist Orthosis (WO) & Wrist Hand Orthosis (WHO)
There are many prefabricated WO/WHO or custom-made designs. The essential element, as always, is the assessment. We ask for what purpose is the WHO being used and what movements are needing to be limited. WO/WHO are often prescribed for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, RSI, and Arthritis. For these conditions, the wrist and hand are required to be held in neutral for certain periods of the day or night. The WO/WHO prevents further injuries and promotes healing.
Elbow Orthosis (EO) & Elbow Wrist Hand Orthosis (EWHO)
We use custom made or prefabricated EO/EWHO for the treatment of elbow joint contractures, severe arthritis or for the healing and protection of soft tissue strains and “Tennis elbow”. The orthoses are designed to restrict elbow joint movements or protect insertion site tenderness to promote healing. We also utilised loaded external joints for long low load stretching of elbow joint contractures.
Shoes are an important part of an orthotic prescription. We need to consider the pitch, sole profile, depth and fastening style of a shoe because all of those features can impact function. We can prescribe everyday brand shoes, orthopedic footwear with special features, shoes with custom modifications and even custom made shoes from scratch depending on the prescription needed to meet a client’s needs.
