Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are prostheses?
Answer: Prostheses are devices designed to replace any body part that is missing.

Question: What are orthoses?
Answer: Orthoses are devices designed to provide support to ailing, frail, or malfunctioning joints and/or muscles.

Question: What is pedorthics?
Answer: The term pedorthics refers to specially designed shoes and foot orthoses.

Question: What does BE stand for?
Answer: The term BE stands for below the elbow or trans radial.

Question: What is gait training and why is it necessary?
Answer: Learning to walk with a prosthesis is called gait training. When an individual is fitted with a new prosthesis or has an existing device adjusted, he or she must learn to use it correctly in order to attain the maximum benefit.

Question: In regard to foot orthotics, is there any real difference between an orthotic device bought in a local pharmacy and a custom made device?
Answer: Off the shelf orthotic devices such as shoe inserts or arch supports may provide some support and some relief, however because they are not custom designed, they can not be expected to provide the exact muscle support you need. Prescription orthotics are designed to correct existing foot problems and prevent them from becoming worse. They are based upon an examination and mold of your foot and an analysis of your complaint, gait, and posture.

Question: What is myoelectric?
Answer: The term myoelectric refers to the amplification and use of the naturally occurring electrical properties of muscle tissue.

Question: Will my child be able to operate a myoelectric prosthetic device? It seems very complicated.
Answer: Myoelectric devices operate by reading electrical impulses through sensors placed on the skin. Most children, even very young ones can learn to use a myoelectric device quickly and easily.

Question: What does the acronym ROM mean?
Answer: ROM stands for range of movement.

Question: What does the acronym CO mean?
Answer: CO stands for Certified Orthotist.

Question: What does the acronym CP mean?
Answer: CP stands for Certified Prosthetist

Question: What does the acronym ROF mean?
Answer: ROF stands for Registered Orthotic Fitter.

Question is ABC?
Answer: ABC is the acronym for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, the organization which certifies and accredits facilities and members of our profession. Certification and accreditation help to maintain high standards of professionalism. All our practitioners are certified professionals or board eligible.