Orthotic Prescription
What is Orthotic Prescription?
The term orthotics refers to in-shoe devices that are designed to support the foot or ankle. Orthotics can range from a simple insert that sits in the shoe and supports the arch, to a more extensive device that extends up to your child’s knee – often called an Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO).
At Developmental Therapies, we are trained in gait analysis and musculoskeletal assessment. This rigorous assessment provides us with a very clear picture of how your child is moving and helps us accurately determine whether they would benefit from orthotics. We recommend the most suitable device to improve their function and alignment.
Types of Orthotics we prescribe include:
- In shoe foot orthotics – off the shelf and custom
- SMO (Supra-malleolar Orthotics)
- AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotics)
- Turtlebraces
Who is Orthotic Prescription for?
Orthotics can be beneficial for children presenting with a variety of movement and alignment concerns. An assessment and discussion regarding the use of orthotics may be helpful if your child presents with any of the following:
- Toe walking on one or both feet
- Feet rolling in excessively
- Not achieving straight knees when standing or walking
- Tight calves that significantly impact function
- Hypermobility
- Neurodevelopmental or Genetic conditions
What Does the Service Involve?
Options for Orthotics
Our team provides several orthotic options, including off-the-shelf shoe inserts and turtle braces. The service involves a thorough assessment to determine the appropriate option and when to refer to an Orthotist for a custom made device.
Guidance for Custom-made Orthotic Devices
If your child requires custom-made orthotics, we can refer you to either specialist Podiatrists or Orthotists, depending on your child’s specific needs. We liaise closely with these professionals to ensure seamless care and can provide ongoing advice and recommendations regarding the orthotics that would be best suited for your child. Our goal is to ensure the orthotics integrate effectively into your child’s overall therapy program and daily routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an off-the-shelf and a custom Orthotic?
A: Off-the-shelf orthotics are prefabricated devices that offer general support. Custom-made orthotics are specifically designed using a mould / 3D scan of your child’s foot to provide precise and individualised support and correction.
Q: Do Orthotics cure the condition?
A: Orthotics are a tool to manage symptoms, improve alignment, and support function, especially while walking or standing. They work best as part of a comprehensive management plan that may include physiotherapy exercises. Some children only require short term orthotic use while other children require this long term, with changes made over time to their prescription, to suit their needs.
Q: Will using Orthotics mean my child doesn’t develop their own strength because they rely on the support provided?
A: No. Your Physiotherapist + Orthotist will work together, with your goals, to prescribe an orthotic that best suits your child’s needs. We will understand your child’s whole developmental assessment before making recommendations around use of orthotics. The pros and cons of orthotics will be discussed, with strategies implemented in your therapy program to support any areas that need additional support. Sometimes this can mean use of orthotics for certain activities and time out of them for other activities – we will help guide this.
If your child’s alignment without orthotics is causing functional concerns, it may be that they are better supported at times in orthotics, to build strength through their whole body. This avoids development of joint issues around your child’s pelvis, hips, knees and ankles over time. We should always consider that children’s bodies are growing and that orthotics can be helpful both now and in protecting children’s alignment for future years, while developing strength over time.
Q: Will using Orthotics make it harder for my child to develop gross motor skills or their balance reactions?
A: We will always prescribe orthotics, taking into consideration your child’s current goals and whole developmental assessment outcomes. Orthotics when prescribed this way, will not prevent your child from gaining gross motor skills or balance reactions. They are a therapy tool and when prescribed appropriately, will actually assist with gaining these skills, in a well aligned manner.
We know that sometimes it is a balancing act to develop skills in and out of orthotics – so we encourage using both time in and time out of orthotics, with the same skill over time, to support not only short term skill development but also long term protection of joint integrity and whole body alignment – including protecting children’s spine, pelvis and lower limb joints for the future. We will ensure you are provided with clear information to help understand this developmental journey.
Q: What should I bring to the assessment?
A: Please bring a few pairs of your child’s regularly worn shoes, especially those used for school or sport, so your therapist can assess how they fit and function with the orthotics.
How to make an appointment
- Call us on 0422 229 971 or fill in the enquiry form below.
- Our team will arrange an initial chat.
- We’ll book your first session and welcome your child to Developmental Therapies
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Our Location
Suite 1/66 Jessica Boulevard
MINYAMA QLD 4575
(In shared rooms with Orthotic Solutions)
Open Hours
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am – 5pm
Thursday 8am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 12noon