|
|
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are tools used to help our patient’s receive the maximum benefit from their rehabilitation experience. There are various types of devices available dependent upon the nature of a patient’s condition or injury with some of the more common devices being outlined below. The majority of these devices are covered under benefit plans from work with a prescription from your health care practitioner. Other health care funding may be available through special assistance, however none of the devices outlined below are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
TENS
T.E.N.S. is an acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is commonly used to alleviate pain from chronic conditions. TENS benefits patients with most forms of arthritis, chronic lower back and neck pain, any recurrent sports injuries and chronic tendonitis to name a few. It is simply a portable machine (slightly larger than a computer mouse) that uses electrodes to direct a current of electricity into the injured muscle or joint and stimulates the body’s own endorphins (our natural pain killers). TENS also helps to relax musculature and has been proven to act as a substitute to pain medication. It is a simple to use and helpful device to ease pain. Your health care practitioners at ARC are skilled in setting the parameters of the TENS unit prescribed and in illustrating the most suited location to place your electrodes to gain the best possible results given the nature of your condition or injury.
CUSTOM MADE FOOT ORTHOTICS
Custom made foot orthotics are an elaborate name given to insoles for your shoes. This statement isn’t made to downplay the importance of orthotics but to make understanding their usage much easier. Orthotics are used for many, many conditions from heel/foot pain including plantar fasciitis, flat feet (pes planus), knee, hip and back pain to name a few. Orthotics are made from foam molds of your actual feet and again dependent upon the condition being treated are shaped according to your individual needs. Some orthotics are used to reposition the arch of the foot while others are fabricated to remove pressure from the knees, your ARC health care practitioners are experts in determining which orthotics is right for you. Imitation orthotics are often advertised on the television or the internet or can be found on the shelves of your local pharmacy. These orthotics are often made from materials that are inexpensive and of poorer quality leading to a lower price point and easier access. Orthotics casted by the trained health professionals at ARC are high quality and take into consideration each individual’s condition, lifestyle and work environment, experience and thought that cannot be matched by an off the shelf insole. Custom made foot orthotics are often covered by a workplace benefit plan with a physician’s prescription.
BRACING
Bracing a joint during the rehabilitation experience is often necessary to ensure that the patient does not aggravate their condition or injury during the course of their day to day lives. ARC provides high quality bracing for knees, ankles, wrists, elbows and backs that are in stock and available for home use with a prescription from your health care practitioner. Entire texts have been written regarding varying bracing methods and which brace is suitable for which injury or condition. Allow the trained health professionals at ARC to assess your needs, recommend and fit the appropriate brace and instruct you upon its proper use. Never waste another dollar buying an inappropriate brace from a retail clerk again. Most bracing is covered by workplace benefit plans check your coverage and head to ARC for all of your bracing requirements.
We are dedicated to providing
you with a healthy active lifestyle.
|
|
