ORTHOTICS

ORTHOTIC /THERAPEUTIC  and ORTHOPAEDIC  SHOES

Prescription  Orthotics  are  custom  made to support your feet and correct  faulty foot  or  lower  body  mechanics.

Orthotics can reduce some foot problems associated with poor  mechanics.  They are helpful in the treatment of a number of problems including;  foot, arch or heel pain;  leg, knee, hip or back pain;  bunions, hammer toes, metatarsalgia, and plantar fasciitis

A wide variety  of orthotic shoes, boots and sandals are available to suit your individual needs and lifestyle.

At HCRC Orthotics can be provided by a PEDORTHIST  or   PHYSIOTHERAPIST

About Your Therapist

All  PHSYIOTHERAPISTS providing orthotics have Bachelors or Masters Level Degree in Physiotherapy and have training in gait and orthopaedic physical assessment and treatment.  Each therapist  participates in specific courses related to orthotics assessment and prescription.

All  PEDORTHISTS have attended a program providing specific training in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear.

About Your Coverage

Orthotics may be covered under your  Health Benefits, WSIB, or Motor Vehicle Insurance.    A physician prescription and pre-approval letter may be required by your insurance company to ensure reimbursement for orthotics.

Want to check out your coverage yourself ??

Call your insurance company and ask the following details ...

  • Do you have coverage for orthotics, orthotic shoes, or orthopaedic shoes, ?
  • What is the amount of coverage per pair  or per year?
  • How many pairs of orthotics or shoes per year are you allowed?
  • Do you need a Physician or Doctors prescription or recommendation to get orthotics?
  • Can the Orthotics be dispensed by a Physiotherapist or by a Pedorthist?


All of these vary between insurance companies and are important to confirm.

PEDORTHIC  SERVICES

Pedorthists are educated in the design, fit, manufacture, and modification of footwear and foot orthoses / orthotics.  They are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada and are regulated by the College of Pedorthics of Canada.

You may want to see a pedorthist if you have foot or heel pain, have had hip or low back pain , have a disease that may affect your feet or have an abnormal wear pattern in your shoes.

A Pedorthist can provide an assessment of your problem by observing your foot and gait, taking specific measurements of the foot, checking rom,  by looking at your footwear and reviewing your health status.   Based on your assessment, the Pedorthist can provide an orthotic or footwear that may help to reduce pain, accommodate for any deformities, improve foot function and alignment, improve balance, and allow you to improve your function and an participation in work or recreation.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture can be used for acute  problems effectively.    It is often helpful to reduce chronic pain and may provide relief from pain when other therapies have failed.

Acupuncture can stimulate the body to produce endorphins,  help to reduce pain, accelerate your body's natural ability to heal, and reduce inflammation.

The World Health Organization has   described a number of conditions that can benefit from Acupuncture.   Therapists at the Halton Community Rehabilitation Centre focus on  Musculoskeletal or Orthopaedic Conditions.  Some of these include:

Neck and Back Pain

Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Ankle and Foot Pain

Strains and Sprains

Tendonitis, Frozen Shoulder

Arthritis, Headaches

Chronic Pain

About Each Visit

The number of visits you will require varies depending on the condition being treated, from only 1-2 to several weeks.  Most patients feel no pain, however, some experience mild discomfort.  Only sterile, disposable needles are used.  This prevents the risk of infection or disease.   Acupuncture treatment is most effective if you refrain from taking alcohol or sedatives before treatment and you rest or refrain from strong exercise after treatment.   Your therapist will review the risks and benefits of Acupuncture with you before starting  treatment.

About Your Therapist

All  Therapists providing  Acupuncture Services at the Halton Community Rehabilitation Centre  have training through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada or the McMaster Medical Acupuncture Program.