Our Process
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Consult
Finding the right solution begins with a thorough consultation and assessment. We take a cast or scan of the residual limb for a prosthesis, or the body part that needs support or correction for an orthosis.
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Design
Using the cast or scan, we create a physical plaster of paris mould and/or generate a CAD mould which is then carefully re-worked to create a custom design for a prosthesis or orthotic.
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Manufacture
The prosthesis or orthotic is produced for trial (e.g. a test socket) or permanent use using state-of-the-art equipment, components and lightweight, flexible, skin-friendly materials.
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Fitting
Fit, comfort and function are vital. Typically more than one fitting is required to custom fit a prosthesis or orthosis, and it is standard practice for a patient to trial a prosthesis before the definitive prosthesis/orthosis is completed.
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Ongoing Care
Prosthetic and orthotic devices need to be serviced to maintain effective function, and adjustments carried out to accommodate physical changes and optimise fit.
Custom Made Orthotics
Custom Orthotics Brisbane and Toowoomba
Custom orthoses designed around your needs
Well-designed and appropriately fitted orthoses can help support movement, protect joints, improve alignment, redistribute pressure and assist with function.
An orthosis is an external device designed to influence the position, movement, stability or function of part of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system. Orthoses may be used for a wide range of conditions and goals, from supporting an injured joint to improving foot and ankle function or protecting an area of the body during rehabilitation.
At Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, our Orthotists assess your individual needs and design and manufacture a range of custom orthoses. Our focus is on achieving an appropriate balance between function, comfort, fit, durability and appearance.
Every person is different, which is why orthotic treatment should begin with an individual assessment rather than simply selecting a device based on a diagnosis.
What are orthoses?
Orthoses are externally applied devices that can be used to:
- Support or stabilise a joint
- Assist or restrict movement
- Influence limb or joint positioning
- Protect an area following injury or surgery
- Redistribute pressure and reduce loading on specific areas
- Assist movement and function
- Accommodate physical deformity
- Support rehabilitation
- Help manage specific functional or biomechanical problems
The type of orthosis recommended depends on your condition, anatomy, functional requirements, activity level and treatment goals.
Orthoses can range from simple prefabricated devices to highly individualised custom-made solutions.
Custom-Made Orthoses
A custom orthosis is designed specifically for an individual’s anatomy and clinical requirements.
Depending on the condition being treated, custom fabrication may allow the Orthotist to control factors such as:
- Shape and fit
- Joint positioning
- Areas of pressure and relief
- Material selection
- Stiffness and flexibility
- Range of motion
- Suspension and retention
- Weight and overall design
- Functional requirements
A custom orthosis is not automatically the best option for every patient. Evidence for orthotic treatment varies substantially according to the condition and type of device, and some people can achieve appropriate outcomes with prefabricated or off-the-shelf devices. The decision should be based on clinical assessment and the individual’s goals.
Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is designed to influence the position and movement of the ankle and foot.
AFOs are used for a variety of clinical indications and can be designed with different levels of stiffness and control.
Depending on the individual’s needs, an AFO may assist with:
- Foot and ankle positioning
- Stability during standing and walking
- Controlling unwanted ankle movement
- Supporting functional gait
- Accommodating certain deformities
- Protecting structures during rehabilitation
- Foot drop
- Cerebral Palsy
- TBI
- Strokes
The design of an AFO should be based on an assessment of gait, strength, range of motion, alignment, skin integrity and functional goals.
chat to the team about our afo options
Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs)
A knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is a lower-limb orthosis that extends from the thigh, across the knee and ankle, to the foot.
KAFOs are designed to provide stability, alignment and movement control across the knee and ankle, and may be prescribed when additional lower-limb support is required for standing, walking or functional activities.
The design and mechanical characteristics of a KAFO are tailored to the individual, taking into account muscle strength, joint stability, range of motion, gait pattern and functional goals.
Upper Limb Orthoses
Upper limb orthoses can provide support, positioning or functional assistance for the arm, wrist and hand.
Depending on the individual’s requirements, an upper limb orthosis may be designed to:
- Support a joint
- Maintain or improve positioning
- Limit unwanted movement
- Protect healing structures
- Assist functional movement
- Reduce stress on specific tissues
- Support rehabilitation following injury or surgery
Orthotic Assessment
Choosing an orthosis starts with understanding what you need it to achieve.
During an assessment, our Orthotists may consider:
Your condition and treatment goals- We consider the reason an orthosis is required and what you want to achieve from treatment.
Movement and function- Assessment may include strength, range of motion, joint stability, balance, gait and functional movement where relevant.
Skin and tissue health- Skin integrity and areas vulnerable to pressure are important considerations when designing and fitting an orthosis.
Anatomy and alignment- Your individual anatomy and alignment influence the shape, positioning and mechanical characteristics of the orthosis.
Lifestyle and activities- An orthosis should be practical for the activities you need to perform, including work, exercise and everyday tasks.
Comfort and fit- A well-designed orthosis needs to be appropriately fitted and comfortable enough to be used as intended.
Footwear and clothing- For lower-limb orthoses, footwear can be an important part of the prescription and fitting process.
Custom vs Off-the-Shelf Orthoses
There is an important distinction between custom-made and prefabricated orthoses.
An off-the-shelf device may be appropriate when a standard design can adequately meet the individual’s clinical and functional requirements.
A custom orthosis may be considered when greater individualisation is required because of factors such as anatomy, deformity, pressure distribution, movement control, fit or specific functional requirements.The most expensive or technologically advanced orthosis is not necessarily the most appropriate. Our Orthotists select the design and fabrication approach according to the individual’s clinical requirements and goals.
Orthotic Rehabilitation and Follow-Up
Receiving an orthosis is often only one part of treatment.
Depending on the condition, successful orthotic management may also involve:
- Gradual introduction to the orthosis
- Functional or gait training
- Exercise or strengthening
- Advice about footwear
- Skin and pressure monitoring
- Education about wearing schedules
- Follow-up adjustments
- Review of functional outcomes
Follow-up is particularly important if there are changes in comfort, fit, skin condition, function or the person’s clinical needs.
Why Choose Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics?
At Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, we understand that an orthosis needs to work in the real world.
Our Orthotists combine clinical assessment with individualised design and in-house manufacturing to develop orthotic solutions tailored to the person using them.
We consider:
Function – What do you need the orthosis to help you do?
Comfort – Can it be worn comfortably and consistently?
Fit – Does it accommodate your individual anatomy?
Support – Does it provide the level of control required?
Lifestyle – Can it be incorporated into your everyday activities?
Appearance – Where appropriate, can the design be discreet and aesthetically acceptable?
Our goal is to provide an orthosis that is appropriate for your clinical needs while supporting your independence and participation.
Prosthetics Funding
In a nutshell, the following categories apply to prosthetic funding:
- If you lost your limb due to disease or illness, you will most likely be covered by the Queensland Government’s Artificial Limb Service (QALS) or the NDIS if you are under the age of 65.
- If you lost your limb in an accident at home or during recreation, and there is no compensating body, then the public health system or the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) will cover the cost of the prosthetic limb/s. Note: The NIIS is still in development and in the meantime, funding will be provided by the NDIS.
- If your amputation was due to trauma, such as a motor vehicle or workplace accident, and compensation is identified as a possibility, the insuring organisation, e.g. National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) or WorkCover, will most likely fund your prosthesis and medical care as part of your rehabilitation.
- Veterans who either lost their limb as a result of injuries received while serving in the Australian Army, Navy or Airforce, or who have a Gold Card, will have their prosthesis paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) or the Defence Force.
- Most Private Health Insurance companies do not allocate funding for prosthetics, however it is worth checking with your insurer if you are uncertain, as they may cover partial costs.
Talk to your Prosthetist for more information.
Orthotics Funding
In Queensland the following options are available for orthotics funding:
- Queensland Health’s Medical Aid Subsidy Scheme (MASS) – this is a subsidy scheme for orthotics and therefore the patient is required to pay any shortfall.
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) – DVA pay for orthotics for eligible serving and former Australian Defence Force members. An out-of-pocket contribution may be applicable, depending on the type of device required.
- Private Health – Most private health insurance companies do not allocate funding for orthotics, however it is worth checking with your insurer if you are uncertain, as they may cover partial costs.
- NDIS – If you are under 65, have a permanent disability and require support for the rest of your life, the NDIS may cover the cost of orthotics.
- National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) or WorkCover – If your injury was due to trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or workplace accident, and compensation is identified as a possibility, the insuring organisation (NIISQ or WorkCover) will most likely fund your orthoses and medical care as part of your rehabilitation.
Talk to your Orthotist for more information.
The Australian Government's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to people with disability, their families and carers. Under the NDIS, all Australians under the age of 65 who have a disability that is likely to be permanent and significant are provided with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life. This includes prosthetics and, in some cases, orthotics.
These are the steps involved in becoming an NDIS participant and getting funding approved for a prosthesis:
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Contact NDIS
and request a NDIS registration form. Once you have received the form, complete it and return it to the NDIS.
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Arrange your planning meeting
Once your registration form has been submitted, the NDIS will contact you to arrange a planning meeting with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
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Meet with your prosthetist
IMPORTANT: Before your meeting with the NDIS' Local Area Coordinator, make sure you meet with your prosthetist. Your prosthetist will advise you of the funding required. The goals you set for yourself in your NDIS plan will determine the type of prosthesis NDIS may fund.
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Meet with your Local Area Coordinator
You then meet with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator and develop a proposed plan requesting the funding and correct allocation required for the life of your plan (usually 12-months).
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Visit your prosthetist for a functional assessment
Once you received a copy of your plan from NDIS, visit your Prosthetist for a functional assessment and quote that he will submit for approval to NDIS. At this point, there will be funding available for consumables like liners/socks to see you through until the approval comes through.
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NDIS approval
Once NDIS approval is received, you can commence the process of having a prosthesis designed, manufactured and fitted.
Important Links
Here are some links to associations, organisations which support people requiring prosthetics and orthotics.
- Paralympics Australia
- Ottobock (Supplier)
Funding Bodies
- Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (Queensland Health)
- Queensland Artificial Limb Service (Queensland Health)
- NDIS
- Department of Veterans Affairs
Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics is a registered member of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA), NDIS, Queensland Artificial Limb Service (QALS) and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Orthotics FAQs
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are a type of custom and prescribed medical device designed to correct biomechanical or physiological problems in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and other joints. They are typically made of plastic or metal and are worn to help with issues such as flat feet, drop foot, fallen arches, over-pronation, and heel pain. They can also be used for injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
Orthotics mainly function to provide cushion and comfort as well as support the abnormal movement of the foot. It promotes proper foot alignment and movement.
What Materials Are APO-Qld's Orthotics Made of?
Custom orthotics are mostly designed with firm materials such as alloy metals, EVA’s and plastic. This makes it possible to immobilize or allow a certain degree of controlled movement in a limb.
APO-QLD’s orthotics are made of skin friendly materials that can be moulded into different shapes and sizes. This material does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins that can harm the children to the user. They are designed to provide excellent comfort and protection for the patient.
What Are the Most Common Types of Orthotics?
There are two types of orthotics – static and dynamic. Static orthotics can be made from a variety of materials and keep the limb in a fixed/non-moveable position. Dynamic orthotics on the other hand allow a certain degree of movement to control range of movement. Orthotics with joints or those made from soft flexible materials are mostly dynamic orthotics.
What Is the Purpose of Foot Orthotics?
Foot orthotics are prescribed medical devices that can be worn inside the shoes to correct foot issues and to address problems on how you walk, stand or run. They are also used to manage foot pain caused by medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and bursitis. They can also reduce the risk of injuries and stress fractures due to knee pain, medial tibial stress syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.
What Are the Benefits of Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics distributes the pressure on your feet. They also aid in reducing risks caused by pressure ulcers and other foot abnormalities. Other benefits of orthotics include:
- Better balance
- Reduced pain in the legs and lower limb joints
- Reduced lower back pain
- Fewer calluses, corns, and bunions
- Improves posture
- Aids in standing longer periods of time
- Helps one walk farther without experiencing pain
How Much Do Orthotics Cost?
The cost of orthotics depends on the type and design that your Orthotist recommends. Custom made orthotics can start anywhere between $50.00 to $12,000.00. Off-shelf orthotics are cheaper ranging from $40 to $1,000.00. NDIS, other funding bodies and some health insurances may cover orthotics costs.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Orthotics?
Wearing an orthotic may cause pain and/or discomfort during initial use. The sensation can disappear within two to four weeks. This is practically the same with other types of medical devices attached to the body. In many cases follow up appointments are necessary to adjust pressure areas caused by the brace.
How Often Should Orthotics Be Replaced?
Orthotics are evaluated yearly by your orthotist to be able to check for wear and tear. For kids, evaluations are more frequent due to the growth spurt among young children. Thus, most orthotics are replaced every six months to a year for younger children and every 2/3-years for adults.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear Orthotics?
IIt would be is best to start wearing your orthotics for two to four hours at a time. wearing your orthotics. You can increase this to a full day if no serious discomfort is experienced. It may take between three days and two weeks or more before a patient begins to feel comfortable wearing orthotics without discomfort.