Archive

People with physical and mobility disabilities need to work out, but there are a lot of obstacles in their way

The Movin’ Mavs, the University of Texas at Arlington’s championship-winning wheelchair basketball team, says their gym needs more adaptive exercise equipment. UTA Adaptive Sports Program, CC BY-ND Alexandra Jamieson, The … READ MORE

UCalgary breaks new ground in transformative partnerships for child health

One Child Every Child harnesses research and innovation to tackle one of society’s biggest challenges. Dr. Susa Benseler speaks at a podium during the announcement of One Child Every Child. Riley Brandt Photo, University of Calgary … READ MORE

Health Canada warns that Rojada Child Safety Seats may pose a risk of injury

Health Canada warns that baby car seats previously sold on Amazon.ca have an increased risk of injury. Consumer product advisory, Health Canada Last updated 2023-09-20 Summary Product: Rojada Child Safety Seats Issue: Consumer … READ MORE

Does your baby need helmet therapy? 5 facts about flat head syndrome

Babies come in all different shapes and sizes. But if your infant’s head shape is giving you cause for concern, it may be plagiocephaly — a condition where your baby has a flat spot or misshapen head. Orthomerica Starband UCLA … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell wear and care instructions

Types of Klobe Vacuum Bell: the pectus clinic works with Eckart Klobe, the inventor and manufacturer of the Klobe Vacuum bell, the first device developed specifically to offer a non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum. Photo … READ MORE

Download Clinical Assessment of Infant Head Shapes

Assessment guides are available here. Jack. Orthomerica Starband. ☞ Download Referrals for orthotic evaluation are recommended for deformational plagiocephaly (Types 3-5), and for deformational brachycephaly (Types 2-3). ☞ … READ MORE

Vacuum Bell therapy: A nonsurgical option for chest wall depression (pectus excavatum)

While children with severe pectus excavatum often need surgery, vacuum bell therapy may make surgery unnecessary. Boston Children’s Hospital by Joanne Barker, Clinical Care, Boston Children’s Hospital June 29, 2021 Pectus … READ MORE

Device is an easier option to correct chest deformity

Dr. Robert Obermeyer of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk shows Austin Hinton and his mother, Tina Hinton, how to operate Austin’s new “vacuum bell” on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. The … READ MORE

Understanding flat head syndrome (Plagiocephaly) in babies

Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly as the condition is medically known, occurs when a flat spot develops on the back or side of a baby’s head. Medically reviewed by Melanie Santos — Written by Donna Christiano, Healthline … READ MORE

CP patients wear AFOs less than prescribed

An open-access study, published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice, investigated the wear time of commonly used AFOs in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Shoes for Orthotics, AFOs, DAFOs. CHASA support groups The O&P EDGE … READ MORE

The rest of the story – helmet treatment

Just under three years ago, the O&P profession was startled by the publication of the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy of cranial remolding orthoses. Wren’s plagiocephaly and helmet journey – … READ MORE

Edmonton mom raises awareness about condition that requires baby to get head-shaping helmet

Angie McIntosh noticed her baby boy couldn’t turn his head to the right when he was six weeks old. Dylan McIntosh also had a strange flat spot on the left side of his head. Angie McIntosh’s baby Dylan has plagiocephaly, an … READ MORE

Helmet study highlighted in The New York Times is flawed

Cranial remolding expert Ellie Boomer CPO, shares her commentary on the helmet therapy article highlighted in the May 1 issue of The New York Times. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital By Ellie Boomer CPO LPO, The O&P Edge … READ MORE

Almost half of babies have flat spot on head, but prevention is simple

Parents can take a few simple steps to prevent their baby’s head from becoming misshapen. 3D scanning for plagiocephaly helmet therapy with Orthomerica SmartSoc app. OAPL Sheryl Ubelacker, The Canadian Press, Global News Calgary … READ MORE

New guidelines review evidence on PT, helmets for positional plagiocephaly

Positional plagiocephaly is a common condition encountered by pediatricians and referred to pediatric subspecialty physicians such as neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons. Twins wearing their CranioCap® Orthoses. Gillette … READ MORE

Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies in Calgary

Novel 3D imaging for chest wall anomalies: The early Calgary experience, Jennifer YK Lam, Janet Ronsky, Marc Schneider, Mary Brindle, Steven Lopushinsky, Nancy Schneider, Jacob Reichbart. Canadian Association of Paediatric … READ MORE

Pectus carinatum causes, symptoms and treatment

The Calgary Protocol: bracing for Pectus carinatum. Braceworks UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital November 26, 2016 – Updated July 2021 Pectus carinatum is characterized by a protrusion of the sternum that occurs as a result … READ MORE

Teen born with a pigeon chest now stands taller

A teenager from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire born with a rare condition known as ‘pigeon chest’ is now standing taller than his twin brother after undergoing an innovative new treatment to correct the condition. James … READ MORE

New approaches to orthotic management in children with cerebral palsy

Practitioners look to novel ways of using familiar lower limb orthotic alternatives to complement new technology. No single treatment is appropriate for every child, but it is generally agreed that the sooner intervention is started … READ MORE

Calgary pediatric AFO clinic – Kids are us!

Ankle-foot orthoses for children and youth. Personalize your orthotics – Braceworks AFO clinic for children is available by appointment only. See your doctor or physiotherapist for diagnosis and prescription first. New patients … READ MORE

Bracing results in significant improvements in Pectus carinatum

Comfort is the key because the brace is worn continuously to provide compression during regular daily activity. Patients are more compliant with the Braceworks PC brace and encouraging results are often apparent early in treatment. … READ MORE

Double bonus – AFOs improve dual-task gait in two ways

Ankle foot orthoses intervene at the level of the body and at the level of activity. But they might also have effects at the level of participation. – Nikta Pirouz CPO By Jordana Bieze Foster, Lower Extremity Review March 2015 … READ MORE

Breakfast of champions: P.E.I. Para skier Mark Arendz featured on Cheerios boxes

Arendz heads to Italy for his 5th Paralympic Games in March Marilee Devries, CBC News PEI Jan 10, 2026 Mark Arendz is featured on Cheerios cereal boxes in a new campaign celebrating Canadian athletes ahead of the 2026 Paralympic and … READ MORE

Wheelchair curling legend Ina Forrest chasing more history at unprecedented 5th Paralympics

63-year-old from Spallumcheen, B.C., has medalled at every Games since 2010 debut. Canadian wheelchair curling great Ina Forrest, centre, is set to become the first person in the sport’s history to compete at five Paralympics this … READ MORE

Orthotics and Their Role in Improving Gait and Treating Deformities in Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Otto Bock WalkOn Reaction AFO by Nader Ibrahim, July 8, 2025 The O&P Edge in EDGE Advantage This research was completed as a project during the author’s studies at New Cairo Technological University, Egypt. ▽ Table of Contents … READ MORE

Alberta orders fatality inquiry into death of man at Edmonton emergency room

Albertans will get an update Thursday on the state of the province’s acute care system, as frontline doctors continue to declare that provincial hospitals are dangerously overcrowded. Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical … READ MORE

Time to successful outcome vs. treatment duration in cranial remolding orthosis treatment

Michigan Cranial Reshaping Orthosis. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure Abstract Background Cranial remolding orthoses are an effective treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. Typical treatment durations are well documented. However, … READ MORE

Amid a Rise in Knee Injuries, Tips for Prevention and Recovery

A sports medicine expert shares his tips for treating and recovering from the most common knee injuries. Credit: Dayvison Tadeu, Pexels by Emily Brognano, Tufts University January 6, 2026 via Medical Xpress Does it seem like the … READ MORE

Disability pension changes won’t impact veterans: Finance minister

Changes will only impact RCMP members, according to the government. Canadian war veterans march in a parade to a Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on Tuesday. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick David Thurton, CBC News Politics Nov … READ MORE

Researchers want to know how people with multiple sclerosis might be helped by playing Tetris

Researchers are looking for people with multiple sclerosis to be a part of the Tetris study. This McMaster study has participants with MS play Tetris A study that aims to improve balance in people with multiple sclerosis is ongoing at … READ MORE

‘Everyone said it was impossible’: disabled hikers find freedom through off-road wheelchairs

Using an all-terrain vehicle that’s essentially the Jeep of wheelchairs, a New York tour group helps disabled people get on the trail. Eddie Slick poses for a portrait in a densely forested part of the trail at Mohonk preserve in … READ MORE

New measles uptick ‘alarming,’ Alberta doctor warns

The last time weekly case counts were this high was August. Of measles cases this year where the patient’s immunization status is known, 91% have been in individuals who never received a measles vaccine. Another 5% were among … READ MORE

AFO Stiffness Tested for Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment

UD’s Big Ideas Challenge advances novel approach to help people with Achilles tendinopathy keep moving. Elisa Arch (right), associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology, and biomechanics and movement science doctoral … READ MORE

Rebranding equity as ‘belonging’ won’t advance justice — it’s DEI rollback in disguise

Softer labels can allow institutions to present a public commitment to inclusion while quietly rolling back the policies, data transparency and accountability mechanisms that define real equity work. (Unsplash+) Simon Blanchette, The … READ MORE

Alberta needs to call state of emergency over crowded hospitals, physicians say

Declaration would allow province to rapidly mobilize resources: expert. An undated file photo of a hospital bed. CBC Julia Wong, CBC News Edmonton Jan 08, 2026 The situation in Alberta hospitals is so dire that the province needs to … READ MORE

‘A whirlwind journey’: Sit-skier Kurt Oatway’s fight to return to the Paralympics

From a tiny Saskatchewan ski hill to winning gold, Oatway’s journey marked by resilience. Kurt Oatway of Canada competes in the men’s downhill, sitting, at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Jeongseon, South Korea, Saturday, … READ MORE

Caution Urged for Virtual Care Partnerships in Canada

Provincial governments that partnered with for-profit virtual healthcare companies, and those considering doing so, must be cautious to protect public trust, experts warned in a new analysis. The study shows that virtual walk-in … READ MORE

Prescribed Precision: Dosing AFO Stiffness for Maximum Outcomes

Henning with WalkOn Reaction AFO. Otto Bock by Kendall Brice, MS, CPO The O&P Edge November 1, 2025 An AFO’s fundamental function is to manipulate the orientation and progression of force about the body to improve alignment and … READ MORE

New legal structure of Alberta health system in place, Premier Smith now eyes results

4 agencies now run hospital care, continuing care, mental health and addiction, and primary health. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during an interview with the Canadian Press in Calgary on Dec. 11, 2025. Jeff McIntosh/The … READ MORE

Northeast B.C. measles outbreak to continue into 2026, health officials say

Immunizations increased 202 per cent year-over-year in October, according to Northern Health. Most exposures to the measles virus in northeast B.C. continue to be linked to schools, followed by community and acute care settings like … READ MORE

The Bowhead Ranger is a Highly-Capable Adaptive Mountain Bike Built for Quads 

Bowhead has expanded its line of adaptive off-road bikes with the launch of the Ranger, a fully electric bike specifically designed for those with limited hand function and higher-level spinal cord injuries. Michael Franz, New … READ MORE

Calgary emergency wards coping with ‘extreme overcapacity’ in flu season: AHS memo

Hospital leaders tighten admission policies as virus surge strains staff. According to a memo sent Friday to Calgary acute care doctors, issues connected to overcapacity in emergency rooms are ‘expected to worsen.’ CBC … READ MORE

Nearly 90% of Manitoba’s reported measles cases involved unvaccinated patients: public health

15 cases have required hospitalization so far this year, including 12 involving patients under 10. Since mid-May, 1,513 infants between six and 12 months have received a measles vaccine, the province says. A two-dose measles vaccine … READ MORE

This year’s flu is packing a punch. How hospitals are trying to deal with surging cases

Some jurisdictions are opening extra beds, others are asking health-care providers to work extra hours. Flu season is hitting children hard, sending a flood of young patients to hospitals. CHEO, eastern Ontario’s … READ MORE

Flu cases soar as Alberta health officials work to relieve pressure on hospitals

Province says hospitalization peak likely to hit in early to mid-January. The South Health Campus adult acute care hospital in Calgary. According to the province, as of Thursday there were 650 Albertans in hospital due to the flu. … READ MORE

Physio at 3 months old – or even earlier – can really help babies with cerebral palsy

Physiotherapy isn’t just for adults recovering from injuries. Physiotherapists can help babies and children, too – including babies with, or at high risk of, cerebral palsy. Research has shown physiotherapy improves their physical … READ MORE

How does Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccination rate compare to other provinces? We asked

Seven per cent of Albertans have had a COVID shot this season. CBC News reached out to other provinces to see how Alberta’s COVID vaccination rate compares. Robert Short/CBC Jennifer Lee, CBC News Calgary Dec 19, 2025 … READ MORE

‘A lot of fear’: These Alberta parents hope new special education standards won’t mean segregation

Government aims to rewrite a critical document on the education of kids with complex needs. Shawna O’Halloran shared Aiden’s experience in a specialized classroom, saying she’s been discouraged at how much he … READ MORE

The importance of sport for children with disabilities – and the lengths their parents go to access it

An Ontario-based volunteer organization has put smiles on the faces of thousands of disabled young people by helping them enjoy an active and full life that includes alpine sports. SKICANADA.ORG Janine Coates Loughborough University, … READ MORE

How orthosis wear time affects pectus carinatum outcomes

A study in the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics found that wearing a pectus carinatum orthosis at least 16 hours a day was associated with the greatest improvement in the deformity. The retrospective study also found that Pectus … READ MORE

COVID-19 cases, vaccine campaigns helped prompt mask mandate’s return, doctor says

Mask mandate comes into effect on Monday. Dr. Natalie Bridger, an infectious disease specialist with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, says the mask mandate is meant to prevent the spread of viruses. Mark Quinn/CBC Elizabeth … READ MORE

Flu blamed in deaths of 3 children in Ottawa area this month

Ottawa Public Health, Eastern Ontario Health Unit renew vaccination plea. CHEO, Ottawa’s children’s hospital, has seen a worrying spike in flu-related visits this season. Gabriel Le Marquand Perreault/Radio-Canada CBC News … READ MORE

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