QUESTIONS & ANSWERS!
Many people feel anxious coming to a hospital appointment.
Hopefully, the questions and answers below will help you feel less unsure but if we don’t answer your particular question here you can always contact your hospital or clinic to help find out the
We are here to help you
So… what do you want to know?
A. An orthosis (brace) is a supportive device that helps to:
- control biomechanical alignment
- prevent injury and reduce pain
- provide support following an injury
- assist in rehabilitation
- increase mobility and independence
A. Orthotists are clinicians assess, diagnose and treat people who need external medical devices to aid patients mobility, movement or function.
All Orthotists must be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professionals Council). https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
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Q. What can I expect at my appointment?
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A. At your first appointment, your clinician will introduce themselves, put you at ease and then will start asking a few fact-finding questions in relation to your condition or what brought you to clinic.
We may ask you to:
- Rate you pain level
- Share with us how your primary complaint impacts on your daily activity and lifestyle.
- We may even ask what your favourite hobbies or pass time are
This information helps to build a broader picture of your condition and needs.
Your Orthotist will then conduct an in-depth biomechanical evaluation and assessment, which may involve visual gait assessment (this could be watching you walk or stand), or a range of motion test.
By asking these questions and assessing your movement and finding out more about your lifestyle, your Orthotist will then be able recommend orthotics solutions.
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Q. Will there be any needles in the appointment?
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A. No needles in sight! We may have to take a cast of part of you, but this does not involve any
needles and does not hurt.
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Q. Will I be involved in decisions about my treatment?
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A. Through a shared decision-making process, your Orthotist will work collaboratively with you to help set treatment goals and formulate a treatment plan, as well as agreeing on your Orthotic prescription.
The Orthotist will explain the estimated time scale for treatment resolution and what would be involved for next appointments.
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Q. Do I get to choose what it looks like?
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A. For a custom device definitely! We have loads of options for you to pick from; depending on what it is. For devices that are ordered in, your orthotist will be able to show you examples of what has been recommended.
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Q. Will my treatment hurt?
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A. Nothing we do in clinic should cause any pain. We will always double check with you if you have any painful places on your body to avoid.
You may feel a slight stretch when wearing your orthosis but this should never be too sore.
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Q. When will I get my orthosis?
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A. It might take a from one to a few weeks to get your device after your first appointment. If you are getting a custom brace your device will be made in our special factory specifically to fit you! The timescale will also be determined on when the hospital can make an appointment.
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Q. Can I play sports with my orthosis on?
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A. You might find that what we provide helps with any pain you may be having. It may let you run faster or feel steadier on your feet. It could help with movement or standing up taller, this will depend on what you have been prescribed.
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Q. Do I have to wear my orthosis all the time?
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A. This depends on what you have come to see us for but often people find their orthoses help them and they want to wear them a lot.
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Q. Will I need it long-term?
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A. Not everyone will need their orthosis forever, but this depends on what you need. You might find your orthosis is only needed to help you recover if you have hurt yourself or maybe you find it helps lots and want to keep using it long-term.
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Q. What if I have a problem after my appointment?
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A. We definitely want to hear from you if you're having any issues. We want to make sure you are happy and comfortable so we can provide the best care for you.
We are always happy to review you and double check things so please get in touch by contacting your clinic or hospital.
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Q. What if I have additional questions?
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A. If you have another appointment booked write these down and bring them to your next appointment where we will be happy to answer them! If you don't have another appointment check out our website for some more helpful information or if you still have questions, contact your clinic for a telephone review.
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Q. When do I need to come back?
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A. We will usually give you a few appointments at the start. The first one will assess what we can do to help and chat to you about all that we do. The next one will be to fit your orthosis and the final one will be to review and check how you have been getting on once you take your orthosis home. However, if you ever feel you need to see us again, we look forward to seeing you back.
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Q. Do I need to come back to clinic if everything is ok?
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A. No, but we would still like to hear from you. If an appointment has been made and you feel you do not require it, please contact your clinic to cancel. The clinic may arrange a telephone call so we can record the effect the device is having on you.
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Q. What happens if my brace wears out?
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A. We like to see braces being used, and if they wear out they can normally be repaired or replaced. Some devices are designed to be used for a short period of time, others are more durable and expected to last months or years.
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Q. What if my device needs repaired?
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A. Many of the devices supplied can be repaired, this will be explained when you get your device, and will be on your advice leaflet. Examples of repairs include:
- New sole and heel on footwear
- Recovering insoles
- New straps on braces
- Replacement of worn leatherwork
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Q. What Footwear is suitable for adaptions?
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A. Our expert team of footwear technicians might have to remove the sole and heel units of you shoe, to apply the desired modification. We advise bringing footwear to your appointment for your clinician look at and they will give you an indication if the footwear can be modified or adapted.
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Q. Are there any shoes that cannot be adapted?
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A. Some footwear cannot be adapted or cannot be adapted as cosmetically. This tends to include:
- Trainers with air cells
- Footwear with hollow or moulded sole units
- Footwear with soles that extend up the sides of the shoe
- Very thin or flexible sole units
- High-heeled shoes