Braceworks specializes in orthotic care for children with special needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an orthotic?
A: An Orthotic (or orthotic device) is the medical term for what most people would refer to as a brace or splint. An Orthosis is an external device applied or attached to a body segment to improve function by controlling motion, providing support through stabilizing gait, reducing pain through transferring load to another area, correcting flexible deformities, and preventing progression of fixed deformities. Orthoses are generally named according to the body regions that they involve.
A: An Orthotic (or orthotic device) is the medical term for what most people would refer to as a brace or splint. An Orthosis is an external device applied or attached to a body segment to improve function by controlling motion, providing support through stabilizing gait, reducing pain through transferring load to another area, correcting flexible deformities, and preventing progression of fixed deformities. Orthoses are generally named according to the body regions that they involve.
For example:
AFO is an Ankle-Foot Orthosis More info
KAFO is a Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
HKAFO is a Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
TLSO is a Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis
The purpose of using an orthosis is to enhance normal movement and to decrease abnormal posture and tone. Lower extremity orthoses can be used to correct abnormal gait patterns and to increase the efficiency of walking.
AFO is an Ankle-Foot Orthosis More info
KAFO is a Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
HKAFO is a Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
TLSO is a Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis
The purpose of using an orthosis is to enhance normal movement and to decrease abnormal posture and tone. Lower extremity orthoses can be used to correct abnormal gait patterns and to increase the efficiency of walking.
Q: Are all custom foot orthotics equal?
A: The marketplace for foot care products including custom foot orthotics is growing. In addition to the handcrafted devices traditionally provided by Certified Orthotists, foot care specialists operating in clinics and retail outlets offer computerized custom foot orthotics. Our Certified Orthotists work closely with you and your rehabilitation team to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. We are directly involved in all aspects of orthotic management including assessment, casting, fabrication, fitting and follow up. This high level of clinical involvement ensures quality control of the finished product and the ability to follow up with adjustments, as required. This level of patient support and service is particularly important in the treatment of complicated chronic and acute conditions such as diabetes, metatarsalgia or Plantar Fasciitis. Other foot care specialists may only take an impression of the foot before sending it to a remote facility for central fabrication of the device by a technician before fitting.
Q: Can kids personalize their AFOs?
A: We have a large selection of patterns and colours to appeal to kids and adults. Personalizing your orthotics with colour and pattern makes a positive statement and can help children take ownership of their orthotic. Here are a few favourites. Click on an image for a larger view.
A: The marketplace for foot care products including custom foot orthotics is growing. In addition to the handcrafted devices traditionally provided by Certified Orthotists, foot care specialists operating in clinics and retail outlets offer computerized custom foot orthotics. Our Certified Orthotists work closely with you and your rehabilitation team to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes. We are directly involved in all aspects of orthotic management including assessment, casting, fabrication, fitting and follow up. This high level of clinical involvement ensures quality control of the finished product and the ability to follow up with adjustments, as required. This level of patient support and service is particularly important in the treatment of complicated chronic and acute conditions such as diabetes, metatarsalgia or Plantar Fasciitis. Other foot care specialists may only take an impression of the foot before sending it to a remote facility for central fabrication of the device by a technician before fitting.
Q: Can kids personalize their AFOs?
A: We have a large selection of patterns and colours to appeal to kids and adults. Personalizing your orthotics with colour and pattern makes a positive statement and can help children take ownership of their orthotic. Here are a few favourites. Click on an image for a larger view.
Q: What are the goals of orthotic treatment?
A: Orthoses play an important role in the physical management of movement disorders such as Cerebral Palsy. Orthoses are designed primarily to affect the body structure by correcting and/or preventing deformity, and/or, to help overcome activity limitations by providing a base of support, facilitating training in skills and improving the efficiency of gait.
A: Orthoses play an important role in the physical management of movement disorders such as Cerebral Palsy. Orthoses are designed primarily to affect the body structure by correcting and/or preventing deformity, and/or, to help overcome activity limitations by providing a base of support, facilitating training in skills and improving the efficiency of gait.
Q: Where do I get a lift for my child's shoes?
A: Leg length discrepancies are common and even seemingly small ones can significantly affect a child’s gait. An Orthopædic Physician can refer you to a Certified Orthotist to provide your child with a lift to help any leg discrepancy. However, it is important that your child be evaluated for hip problems that can cause leg-length discrepancies BEFORE a lift is put on the shoe.
A: Leg length discrepancies are common and even seemingly small ones can significantly affect a child’s gait. An Orthopædic Physician can refer you to a Certified Orthotist to provide your child with a lift to help any leg discrepancy. However, it is important that your child be evaluated for hip problems that can cause leg-length discrepancies BEFORE a lift is put on the shoe.
Q: What kind of walkers and Standing Aids are the best?
A: Each child has different needs, so the best device will depend on the specific needs of your child. Your Physician will base their prescription on their assessment and diagnosis before referring you to a Certified Orthotist to be measured and fit for the device.
Q: What kind of Standing Frames does Braceworks provide?
A: We custom fit the Winnipeg Standing Frame (tilting and standard) and VASI (Variety Ability Systems Inc.).
A new Braceworks Standing Frame is under development and should be available soon. This innovative alternative is compact, transportable, and adjustable. We've carefully balanced patient comfort and ease of use for care givers. Enquire about product availability or taking part in usability testing.
A: Each child has different needs, so the best device will depend on the specific needs of your child. Your Physician will base their prescription on their assessment and diagnosis before referring you to a Certified Orthotist to be measured and fit for the device.
Q: What kind of Standing Frames does Braceworks provide?
A: We custom fit the Winnipeg Standing Frame (tilting and standard) and VASI (Variety Ability Systems Inc.).
A new Braceworks Standing Frame is under development and should be available soon. This innovative alternative is compact, transportable, and adjustable. We've carefully balanced patient comfort and ease of use for care givers. Enquire about product availability or taking part in usability testing.
Q: Do I need a prescription for an orthotic device from a Physician?
A: Braceworks works closely with members of your rehabilitation team. A prescription from the physician provides the Clinician with the Physician’s medical diagnosis as a reference and facilitates follow-up. As well, prescriptions are routinely required to comply with billing requirements of third party paying agencies, (e.g., Alberta Aids to Daily Living, Worker’s Compensation Board, Alberta Blue Cross - Group 66 or Canada Medical Services - Non-Insured Health Benefits).
A: Braceworks works closely with members of your rehabilitation team. A prescription from the physician provides the Clinician with the Physician’s medical diagnosis as a reference and facilitates follow-up. As well, prescriptions are routinely required to comply with billing requirements of third party paying agencies, (e.g., Alberta Aids to Daily Living, Worker’s Compensation Board, Alberta Blue Cross - Group 66 or Canada Medical Services - Non-Insured Health Benefits).
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: Bring your prescription, Alberta Health Care Insurance card and appropriate attire.
A: Bring your prescription, Alberta Health Care Insurance card and appropriate attire.
Q:As a new patient, what can I expect at the first appointment for my child?
A: Our Receptionist will welcome you to the clinic and present you with a couple of brief forms to complete including a Patient Information Form providing us with your contact and billing information and any other forms required by third party paying agencies. The Orthotist will then meet with you to review the Physician’s diagnoses and prescription, conduct an examination, explain how the orthotic device prescribed will aid in the treatment of the condition, present you with treatment options for your consideration, describe the casting materials and process involved and answer any other questions you may have before proceeding to take the cast. The first appointment may be up to one hour in duration with the actual casting for a typical pair of Ankle-Foot Orthotics using a quick drying fiberglass wrap taking up to 10 to 15 minutes. The Receptionist will book the following appointment for the fitting with you before you leave.
A: Our Receptionist will welcome you to the clinic and present you with a couple of brief forms to complete including a Patient Information Form providing us with your contact and billing information and any other forms required by third party paying agencies. The Orthotist will then meet with you to review the Physician’s diagnoses and prescription, conduct an examination, explain how the orthotic device prescribed will aid in the treatment of the condition, present you with treatment options for your consideration, describe the casting materials and process involved and answer any other questions you may have before proceeding to take the cast. The first appointment may be up to one hour in duration with the actual casting for a typical pair of Ankle-Foot Orthotics using a quick drying fiberglass wrap taking up to 10 to 15 minutes. The Receptionist will book the following appointment for the fitting with you before you leave.
Q: How long does it take to fabricate a pair of Ankle-Foot Orthotics?
A: There is a total of approximately 8 hours of clinical and technical time involved in the entire process from casting through to fitting.
Q: Where is the clinic in Okotoks?
A: The Weekly Orthotic Clinic operates on Tuesday afternoons.
Call Braceworks for an appointment, 403.240.9100
The clinic is held in collaboration with
Summit Health & Rehabilitation
Okotoks Recreation Centre
Suite 100 - 99 Okotoks Drive
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A8
Phone 403.995.2131
Fax 1.866.656.2331
A: There is a total of approximately 8 hours of clinical and technical time involved in the entire process from casting through to fitting.
Q: Where is the clinic in Okotoks?
A: The Weekly Orthotic Clinic operates on Tuesday afternoons.
Call Braceworks for an appointment, 403.240.9100
The clinic is held in collaboration with
Summit Health & Rehabilitation
Okotoks Recreation Centre
Suite 100 - 99 Okotoks Drive
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A8
Phone 403.995.2131
Fax 1.866.656.2331
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Q: Who determines if the orthotic device prescribed is eligible for benefits under Alberta Aids to Daily Living
A: As an Approved Authorizor for AADL, the Orthotist is responsible for assessing whether or not the device prescribed is eligible for benefits according to Alberta Aids to Daily Living, (AADL).
Download these PDFs for more information about the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program:
AADL Client Declaration Form (25KB PDF)
AADL Orthotic Suppliers (28KB PDF)
AADL Program Brochure (88KB PDF)
AADL Policy Patient Choice (236KB PDF)
A: As an Approved Authorizor for AADL, the Orthotist is responsible for assessing whether or not the device prescribed is eligible for benefits according to Alberta Aids to Daily Living, (AADL).
Download these PDFs for more information about the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program:
AADL Client Declaration Form (25KB PDF)
AADL Orthotic Suppliers (28KB PDF)
AADL Program Brochure (88KB PDF)
AADL Policy Patient Choice (236KB PDF)
Q: How much of the total cost of the orthotic does Alberta Aids to Daily Living pay for?
A: Clients under the age of 65 years are responsible for 25 percent of the cost of the benefits to a maximum of $500.00 per family per year (July 1 to June 30).
Seniors aged 65 and over are exempt from cost-share. Braceworks bills AADL directly for the eligible amount. Payment of the client portion is due upon the fitting of the orthotic device.
A: Clients under the age of 65 years are responsible for 25 percent of the cost of the benefits to a maximum of $500.00 per family per year (July 1 to June 30).
Seniors aged 65 and over are exempt from cost-share. Braceworks bills AADL directly for the eligible amount. Payment of the client portion is due upon the fitting of the orthotic device.
Q: How are the AISH Health Benefits and AADL programs complementary?
A: Eligibility for AISH automatically grants an exemption from co-pay under the AADL program. This applies to the cost of devices as well as, servicing of devices.
AISH Health Benefits summary (pdf)
More info on the AISH web site
A: Eligibility for AISH automatically grants an exemption from co-pay under the AADL program. This applies to the cost of devices as well as, servicing of devices.
AISH Health Benefits summary (pdf)
More info on the AISH web site
Q: Can Braceworks bill my private insurer directly for my portion?
A: No. Braceworks will assist you to file your claim by providing you with the necessary documentation including your original prescription and a Statement of Account showing receipt of payment in full for the procedures prescribed. If your insurance plan requires pre-approval, we will be pleased to provide a written estimate of the cost of the procedure upon request.
A: No. Braceworks will assist you to file your claim by providing you with the necessary documentation including your original prescription and a Statement of Account showing receipt of payment in full for the procedures prescribed. If your insurance plan requires pre-approval, we will be pleased to provide a written estimate of the cost of the procedure upon request.
Q: What methods of payment for the client portion of the cost do you accept?
A: Options for payment include cash, Direct Debit, Visa, and MasterCard.
A: Options for payment include cash, Direct Debit, Visa, and MasterCard.
Q: What types of orthotics are eligible for funding under AADL?
A: Most orthotics that are prescribed for daily living for a minimum of six months are covered by Alberta Aids to Daily Living. Restrictions apply to foot orthotics, knee braces and soft goods.
A: Most orthotics that are prescribed for daily living for a minimum of six months are covered by Alberta Aids to Daily Living. Restrictions apply to foot orthotics, knee braces and soft goods.
Q: How are the fees for orthotic devices determined?
A: Fees are established by Alberta Aids to Daily Living, (AADL) in consultation with Certified Orthotists. The Fee Schedule is based on a pricing model including the cost of materials, components and the clinical and technical time for each procedure. The Fee Schedule ensures consistent pricing of services for all service providers throughout the Province of Alberta regardless of whether those services are delivered through a publicly funded institution like a hospital or, more commonly, through a private practice.
A: Fees are established by Alberta Aids to Daily Living, (AADL) in consultation with Certified Orthotists. The Fee Schedule is based on a pricing model including the cost of materials, components and the clinical and technical time for each procedure. The Fee Schedule ensures consistent pricing of services for all service providers throughout the Province of Alberta regardless of whether those services are delivered through a publicly funded institution like a hospital or, more commonly, through a private practice.
Q: Are your services available elsewhere?
A: Yes. We offer limited services including repairs, adjustments and castings at regularly scheduled satellite clinics in selected schools for children with special needs and at other sites including Summit Health & Rehabilitation in Okotoks.
For more information call Braceworks at 403.240.9100 in Calgary or email info@braceworks.ca
A: Yes. We offer limited services including repairs, adjustments and castings at regularly scheduled satellite clinics in selected schools for children with special needs and at other sites including Summit Health & Rehabilitation in Okotoks.
For more information call Braceworks at 403.240.9100 in Calgary or email info@braceworks.ca
Q: What types of services do you offer at schools for children with special needs?
A: Casting for new orthoses and repairs and adjustments to existing orthoses can be done off-site at schools during one of the regularly scheduled clinics. Fittings for new orthoses must be done on-site at Braceworks.
A: Casting for new orthoses and repairs and adjustments to existing orthoses can be done off-site at schools during one of the regularly scheduled clinics. Fittings for new orthoses must be done on-site at Braceworks.
Q: Which schools do you currently offer Braceworks in-school clinic?
A: Clinics and satellite locations are currently scheduled at
Calgary Quest School
Emily Follinsbee School
Christine Meikle School
Please contact the Physiotherapist on staff to enquire about scheduling an appointment for your child at one of the upcoming clinics. Call Braceworks at 403.240.9100 in Calgary or email info@braceworks.ca for more information.
A: Clinics and satellite locations are currently scheduled at
Calgary Quest School
Emily Follinsbee School
Christine Meikle School
Please contact the Physiotherapist on staff to enquire about scheduling an appointment for your child at one of the upcoming clinics. Call Braceworks at 403.240.9100 in Calgary or email info@braceworks.ca for more information.
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