Off-the-Shelf and Custom Bracing Solutions to Meet Your Body’s Unique Needs
The human body is a biomechanical marvel. Sometimes, it just needs a little help. That’s where we come in. Our experienced team of Certified Orthotists, Pedorthists and technicians work together to assess your body’s unique needs and determine which bracing solution is the right approach.
For a number of common conditions, off-the-shelf bracing solutions can provide clients with the support they need to address the situation that is causing pain or restricting mobility.
For more complex situations, a custom brace solution is required. Custom braces are designed and manufactured in PBO Group’s state-of-the-art production facility. Bracing services are offered at PBO Niagara, PBO Kawartha, PBO Barrie and PBO Owen Sound.
Conditions we regularly provide bracing solutions for include:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Stroke
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- ACL knee injury
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Money Matters: As part of our commitment to best-in-class client care, PBO Group works closely with our clients to ensure all avenues of potential funding to help cover the costs of their brace have been considered. Visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more.
Patient Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Browse our list of frequently asked questions about Bracing or click here to view all FAQs
The cost of bracing can vary widely. For off-the-shelf bracing solutions, we will be able to give you a better sense of potential costs at your initial assessment. For custom bracing, an estimate is provided once the design of the brace is complete. We will always provide these estimates so that you are aware well ahead of time what the costs will be.
The time it takes can vary depending on our ability to secure funding, procure the parts that might be needed and fabricate the device. Generally speaking, most patients can be fit within 1-4 weeks from their initial appointment.
An SMO (supra-malleolar orthosis) is designed to support the foot only and typically extends just over the ankle bones. An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is designed for greater support of the foot-ankle complex as well as sometimes the knee. It generally is larger and will extend to the height of the upper calf.
To learn more about the warranties for PBO Group products, click here.
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is the Ontario Ministry of Health payer for bracing devices and will contribute a portion of the cost but not the entire amount. PBO Group staff can provide advice on additional funding sources.
Custom braces are tailored to your specific needs, body type, and activity level in a way that off-the-shelf braces are not. Custom brace sizing can also be customized to your exact body dimensions. In some cases, an off-the-shelf or pre-made brace or splint is a great choice, often for conditions like strains, sprains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and ACL injury. Our Certified Orthotists can also recommend, fit, or modify off-the-shelf bracing.
We have helped many clients with bracing to address arthritis of the knee and hip.
Read our blog posts about bracing to prevent hip surgery and bracing to prevent knee surgery to learn more.
PBO Group regularly supports clients with bracing solutions who are stroke survivors and/or living with conditions such as MS, CP, ALS, Arthritis, Muscular Dystrophy, Scoliosis, Osteoarthritis and more.
While every brace is different, with proper maintenance, we generally see braces lasting at least two years and often longer.
While an ankle or foot brace can limit your shoe choices, there are a variety of great options that your specialist can recommend at local shoe providers.
It can be hard to know if a brace is the right solution for your unique situation until we know a little bit more about you. We offer free initial consultations, so there is no upfront cost to determine if a brace could help.
If you experience things like discomfort, skin irritation, mechanical failure or broken straps, please schedule an appointment for brace maintenance. In cases where the brace no longer fits, something cannot be repaired, or the cost to repair the brace exceeds the cost of replacement, replacement is recommended.
While there are some devices specifically designed for sleeping (e.g. scoliosis, carpal tunnel, range of motion stretching), in most cases, braces are removed for sleeping.
Some braces are made specifically to allow you to wear them in the shower. In some cases, a waterproof cast cover can be used to protect the device. Generally speaking, we recommend removing the brace and using a shower seat for stability.
A mild soap and water solution that you would use on your own body is the best approach for cleaning your brace. Do not use harsh chemicals like window cleaner, bleach wipes, etc., as they can cause skin irritation.
PBO Group works with a variety of excellent bracing suppliers, including Donjoy, Breg, Ossur, Ottobock, Bauerfeind, and Aircast.
Yes, and PBO Group staff can help you learn more about potential financial support for your prosthesis from a variety of funding sources, including The War Amps, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, MS Society, March of Dimes, ACSD, ODSP, Ontario Works, Veterans Affairs, NIHB, Kiwanis, and more.
