It can be difficult to choose which Orthotics Clinic in Guelph will best meet your needs. Here are a few questions that you can ask to help you sort it all out:
1. How do you capture my foot shape?
A true custom foot orthotic requires a three-dimensional model of the foot. Two-dimensional pressure mapping (standing on or walking over a pressure map on the floor) is not capable of producing e a three-dimensional model. Any practitioner who uses this method is not making a custom foot orthotic, only a customized pre-made arch support.
Traditionally, capturing a 3D model of the foot has involved a plaster cast, foam box impression, or wax mold.
At Applied Biomechanics however, we go further using the latest imaging technology. We use a 3D laser imaging scanner to capture a model of the foot that is accurate to within 0.4 mm, which in our experience is far superior to plaster and foam casts.
2. Do you make foot orthotics at your facility?
Some practitioners build orthotics within their own on-site lab, while others will outsource the work.
An orthotics clinic with on-site fabrication is much better for the patient than one that outsources. A clinic with an on-site fabrication lab will have all the necessary tools and materials to make adjustments. A clinic without its own lab will have to choose between:
a) Sending the patient away with a foot orthosis that has not been adjusted correctly or optimized for that patient.
b) Sending the orthotic back to the lab for modification which will delay treatment.
c) Making “customizations” without the proper tools or materials.
In addition to this, a practitioner with an on-site lab will usually have a better understanding of materials science and how to properly design an orthotic.
At Applied Biomechanics, we are proud to operate a state-of-the-art fabrication lab with a full-time technician right here in our clinic. This allows us to provide our patients with the best care. It gives us total control over the work we do, and that allows us to stand 100% behind the quality of care that we offer.
3. What details are taken into consideration before you design a set of orthotics?
A comprehensive assessment is essential for properly designing and manufacturing an ideal set of foot orthotics. You will want your orthotics practitioner to perform all of the following before molding or imaging for your foot orthotics:
- A full history of symptoms and previous treatments
- A full biomechanical evaluation, including ranges of motion of the feet, ankles, knees, and hips
- A comprehensive physical exam of the foot and leg
- Measurement of the alignment of the feet
- An observational or instrumented gait analysis
- A footwear assessment
An assessment that excludes any of the above may miss important information, and the quality of your care may suffer as a result.
We take the time to provide a comprehensive biomechanical and gait evaluation because we care deeply about the quality of help that we provide and because we are a part of this community. Our commitment to quality and customer service has sustained us as a local business for over twenty years, based almost entirely on referrals and word of mouth advertising.
Give us a call today at 519-836-4755 or book an appointment online using our automatic booking software.
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