Your feet have a direct impact on the rest of your body. When a problem develops in your feet, it can cause a chain reaction of adjustments in your posture and walking mechanics. These changes can put stress on the joints higher up in the body and potentially lead to more serious problems.
Blue Sky Physiotherapy & Wellness Center’s experts can help you rebalance your feet and reduce your pain and discomfort through Prescription (Custom-Made) Orthotics.
Prescription (Custom-Made) Orthotics look like insoles but are biomechanical medical appliances custom-made to correct your specific foot imbalance. They fit into your shoes as comfortably as insoles and have the advantage of being made from precise imprints of your feet. Prescription (Custom-Made) Orthotics help restore the normal balance and alignment of your body by correcting foot abnormalities. They assist in reducing problems associated with pressure points, muscle strain, and abnormal forces on the ankles, knees, hips, and spine.
Prescription (custom-made) Orthotics at Blue Sky Physiotherapy & Wellness Center work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes; they reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment.
Rigid orthotics are primarily utilized for walking or dress shoes, as they control motion in the two major foot joints directly beneath the ankle joint. They are typically made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber.
Soft orthotics absorb shock, improve balance, and alleviate pressure from painful foot areas, especially beneficial for patients with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or deformed feet. They’re made of cushioned materials, offering foot protection from stress.
Semi-rigid orthotics help correct foot balance for walking or participating in sports. They are typically made of layers of soft material but reinforced with more rigid materials for support. They are often used by athletes to reduce pain when they train and compete
Custom-made prescription orthotics can only be created after a thorough biomechanical assessment and accurate orthotic design (prescription), utilizing true three-dimensional impressions of your feet taken by appropriately qualified foot healthcare professionals.
Prescription: Your doctor or other health care professional has prescribed orthotics, and you have booked an appointment with Blue Sky Physiotherapy & Rehab Center in North Vancouver.
Assessment: Your Orthotist Assessment will consist of the following:
. A thorough history and lower extremity biomechanical assessment (including orthopedic assessment and clinical gait analysis).
. Your Computer Gait Analysis Scan. This scan combines Static & Dynamic Scan.
. Recommendation & Selection of Orthotics Type and Model based on your foot requirements.
Design: Your custom-made prescription orthotics will be unique to your condition, activity level, and the footwear in which they will be used. Your Orthotist will design the device based on their assessment findings and the prescription instructions from your health care professional.
Manufacturing: Your orthotics are made in The Orthotic Group (Blue Sky Partner’s) own Lab. The highly skilled technicians at TOG Lab use a combination of state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology and old-fashioned hand craftsmanship to make your orthotics.
Fitting: Within approximately two weeks, your orthotics will be ready for fitting. At your fitting appointment, they will be checked for proper fit (to your feet and footwear), and you will be given break-in and any follow-up appointment instructions on break-in and any required follow-up appointments.
Yes – Your medical doctor or other health care professional is licensed to diagnose symptoms and prescribe treatment. The Pedorthist’s role is to work with you and your health care professional to assess your condition and design and build the best orthotic and/or footwear solution. Note that insurance companies and other third-party payers also require a prescription for reimbursement claims.
The longer you wear your custom orthotics the more benefit you will get out of them. If your daily activities vary to the extent that you change your footwear, then you should have a second pair of custom orthotics designed for that specific activity. (I.e. going to the gym after work)
Since the custom orthotic works to realign the structure of your foot you may feel pressure in some areas as the custom orthotic attempts to do its job. For this reason, custom orthotics should be worn in two-hour intervals and slowly extend the wear time over a period of two weeks.
We leave footwear sales to a trusted group of expert retailers in the community. These retailers each have unique expertise and comprehensive inventory required to satisfy even the most challenging foot size or shape. We do, however, offer Prescription Orthotic Sandals and we make custom orthopedic footwear. See the “What We Do” section of our website.
“Resistant” yes, “Proof” no. The top covers and other soft components will absorb water and the adhesives holding them together may delaminate, so don’t use your orthotics while scuba diving. However, if they do get wet, take them out of your shoes and let them dry at room temperature. Do not put them in the dryer or expose them to high heat.
You can use mild soap and water to wipe them clean and then let them dry at room temperature. If your orthotics develops a strong odor that can’t be eliminated with cleaning and drying, replacing the top covers may be the answer. For more details ask your Orthotist.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, legs, hips, or lower back, a visit to your family physician or Physiotherapist is the first step. He/she will tell you if orthotics can help or may refer you to us for an assessment. Our assessment fee is reasonable and will be credited to the cost of orthotics if you purchase them.
We offer several options for children and adolescents. With custom orthotics for children 15-years-old and under, we offer a special discount program that makes growth-related replacement orthotics more affordable. We also offer less expensive pediatric over-the-counter orthotics that can be customized for certain conditions.
Of course! We offer a 25% discount on second and subsequent pairs of orthotics. We can make orthotics for any kind of footwear.
Prices range from $415 to $520 per pair depending on what they are made from. We work on a case fee basis so our price includes all your appointments including follow-up appointments and adjustments for 6 months. Second and subsequent pairs based on the same mold receive a 25% discount.
Custom orthotics are not covered under our Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, many extended medical benefit plans and other 3rd party payers cover all or a portion of the cost. Please check your benefits handbook or with your plan administrator for information on your entitlement.
Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet.
For example:
The certain areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body.
The pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.
Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing. Reflexology shouldn’t be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.
Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.
Reflexology is quite different with Massage Thjerapy. While many people find reflexology relaxing, it’s based on the theory that certain points on the feet correspond to certain organs and body parts and that applying pressure to the areas can promote health in the corresponding parts.
Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.
Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.
Many types of foot problems are treated with hydromassage provided by whirlpool therapy. Whirlpool therapy is often utilized to promote healing after surgery, injury, and for addressing various foot and ankle issues.
Diabetics may receive whirlpool therapy to help maintain the health of their feet. Circulation is stimulated, and dead skin is removed by the soothing water in the whirlpool. Many patients find their whirlpool therapy sessions enjoyable.
Today, paraffin wax treatments are offered for more than just softening and smoothing the skin. Paraffin therapy is one of the most effective methods of applying deep heat to relieve pain and stiffness. The warm paraffin also moisturizes for healthier-looking, softer skin.
Therabath warm paraffin wax treatments are fast-acting, drug-free, and versatile, providing heat therapy for many different applications from arthritis joint pain relief to hand, foot, and facial services.
Weekdays: 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed