Braces, orthotics and compression, fitted by your therapist

At Vaughan Physiotherapy, we specialize in providing high-quality custom orthopaedic braces designed to enhance your mobility and reduce pain. Our expert team works with leading manufacturers including medi, Bauerfeind and DonJoy to ensure you receive the most effective support for your specific condition.

Understanding custom braces

Custom orthopaedic braces are specialized medical devices designed to provide targeted support and facilitate proper movement. Unlike off-the-shelf options, these braces are precisely crafted to match your unique measurements and body contours, ensuring optimal effectiveness and comfort.

Orthopaedic braces are prescribed by a health professional in order to protect, support and facilitate movement. It is important that these products are carefully matched to an individual's diagnosis and needs to be effective. This can require specific measurements and assessment.

Conditions improved by custom braces

Our custom braces effectively address various conditions, including:

• Knee ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL)
• Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
• Knee instabilities
• Low back pain
• Underdeveloped leg and foot muscles
• Positional concerns with feet or legs

Clinical studies have shown that over 70% of knee osteoarthritis patients experience significant pain reduction and increased activity levels when using custom braces.Barnes CL et al. American Journal of Orthopaedics 2002 Jul; 31(7): 396-401.

Braces are designed to restrict potentially harmful movement and relieve the pain caused by ligamentous knee injuries, osteoarthritis and certain neurological conditions. We also prescribe conservative care management such as corrective exercise and soft tissue therapy. Braces are very effective for low back pain, elbow pain, knee injuries, wrist injuries and more.

Understanding custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are specialized medical devices designed to address various foot, lower limb and back problems. Unlike generic insoles, these devices are precisely moulded to your unique foot structure, providing targeted support where you need it most.

Custom orthotics work by supporting balanced weight distribution across your feet and providing efficient shock absorption during walking or running activities. When properly prescribed, they can significantly reduce pain, stabilize joint motion and enhance your overall mobility.

At Vaughan Physiotherapy, we are proud partners with leading orthotic manufacturer Orthotic Energy to ensure you receive the highest quality custom orthotics that make a real difference in your daily life. These devices can be used alone or paired with orthopaedic footwear for maximum effectiveness.

Conditions improved by custom orthotics

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Arch problems and flat feet
• Lower back pain
• Knee and hip alignment issues
• Sports-related injuries
• Balance and stability concerns
• Muscle development issues in legs and feet

Your health professional may also prescribe custom orthotics for people who have positional concerns with their feet or legs. This can include those with underdeveloped leg and foot muscles. Typically we will recommend a custom orthotic if an off-the-shelf device or other treatments, such as exercises at home, haven't proven effective.

The benefits of custom orthotics

While over-the-counter insoles may provide temporary relief, custom orthotics offer several distinct advantages:

• Precisely engineered to your unique foot structure
• Professional assessment and fitting process
• Higher quality materials for better durability
• Targeted support for specific conditions
• Improved walking mechanics and posture
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Long-term pain relief and prevention

Cost and coverage

Investing in your foot health is a decision that can significantly impact your daily comfort and long-term mobility. The cost of custom orthotics typically ranges from $400 to $800 CAD, which includes the initial assessment and evaluation, custom casting and manufacturing, professional fitting and adjustments, and follow-up care.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for custom orthotics. Coverage can vary significantly between providers, with some offering full coverage up to a specified maximum, partial coverage (typically 80 to 100%) or annual or bi-annual coverage limits. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific coverage details and requirements.