Philosophy behind Sarah's Orthotics:
Traditional custom orthotics are rigid, made of hard plastic and are designed to force the foot into one "ideal" position. But our feet are made to move and adapt to the ground. Rigid orthotics do not keep this in mind, nor do they respect the neurological system's response to a hard, often painful piece of plastic under the foot. When a rigid, unforgiving arch support is placed under the foot the foot often starts to pull away from it because it is painful. Overtime this response can result in the person weight bearing more on the outside of the foot rather than through the center of the foot.
Traditional custom orthotics are rigid, made of hard plastic and are designed to force the foot into one "ideal" position. But our feet are made to move and adapt to the ground. Rigid orthotics do not keep this in mind, nor do they respect the neurological system's response to a hard, often painful piece of plastic under the foot. When a rigid, unforgiving arch support is placed under the foot the foot often starts to pull away from it because it is painful. Overtime this response can result in the person weight bearing more on the outside of the foot rather than through the center of the foot.
What the Orthotics are like:
Developed by Dr. Coffin, D.P.M. and Ron Hruska, M.P.T., Postural Restoration® orthotics are designed to work with your foot mechanics and your neurological system to gain the perfect balance of foot stability and mobility. They are non-compressible, flexible orthotics that are uniquely matched to the patient's structure, gait and activities. They not only affect the feet but will help align the knees, hips and back to decrease tension, torque and compression. They are best utilized when combining with Postural Restoration® therapies.
Developed by Dr. Coffin, D.P.M. and Ron Hruska, M.P.T., Postural Restoration® orthotics are designed to work with your foot mechanics and your neurological system to gain the perfect balance of foot stability and mobility. They are non-compressible, flexible orthotics that are uniquely matched to the patient's structure, gait and activities. They not only affect the feet but will help align the knees, hips and back to decrease tension, torque and compression. They are best utilized when combining with Postural Restoration® therapies.
Shoes:
Shoes are of the utmost importance to consider before getting custom orthotics. Orthotics and the shoes they are placed in must work together as a team for the client. If buying orthotics, they should preferably be placed in a neutral athletic shoe or other supportive lace-up shoe. If known ahead of time, orthotics can be made to fit other specific shoes. Orthotics can be made for dressier slip on shoes upon request. ***The shoe size may have to be 1/2 to 1 size larger than your normal size so it is recommended that you wait to buy shoes until you receive the orthotics. It is also preferred that you buy shoes that the original insole can be removed. This feature makes it easier for the orthotic to fit comfortably in the shoe. See Sarah's Shoe Buying Guide for recommendations.
Shoes are of the utmost importance to consider before getting custom orthotics. Orthotics and the shoes they are placed in must work together as a team for the client. If buying orthotics, they should preferably be placed in a neutral athletic shoe or other supportive lace-up shoe. If known ahead of time, orthotics can be made to fit other specific shoes. Orthotics can be made for dressier slip on shoes upon request. ***The shoe size may have to be 1/2 to 1 size larger than your normal size so it is recommended that you wait to buy shoes until you receive the orthotics. It is also preferred that you buy shoes that the original insole can be removed. This feature makes it easier for the orthotic to fit comfortably in the shoe. See Sarah's Shoe Buying Guide for recommendations.
Orthotic Options:
1) Length of Orthotic
Orthotics are usually made as 3/4 length of the insole to better fit in most shoes
Full length orthotics are available upon request ($25 extra charge)
2) Material
Regular Black
Stiff Black (more support - ask your therapist)
Leather Dress ($25 extra charge)
3) Special Requests:
Lower profile for dress shoes (black material)
Softer (not as supportive)
1) Length of Orthotic
Orthotics are usually made as 3/4 length of the insole to better fit in most shoes
Full length orthotics are available upon request ($25 extra charge)
2) Material
Regular Black
Stiff Black (more support - ask your therapist)
Leather Dress ($25 extra charge)
3) Special Requests:
Lower profile for dress shoes (black material)
Softer (not as supportive)
Orthotics should last from 2-5 years. Athletes and those who spend a lot of time on their feet may need replacement sooner. A second pair of orthotics can be made within 6 months of the first pair at the same cost.
Cost:
Regular 3/4 length, regular or stiff material orthotics are $300
Full length orthotics or leather dress material options each have a $25 extra fee
Regular 3/4 length, regular or stiff material orthotics are $300
Full length orthotics or leather dress material options each have a $25 extra fee
Breaking Orthotics In:
Most people are comfortable in their new orthotics within 2 weeks. Some who have had pain for a long period of time may take a longer time to break in their orthotics. This period is because the orthotics are changing years of foot, muscle and tendon dysfunction. With improved biomechanics, the entire lower extremity will move more efficiently and decrease stress and strain throughout the body.
Adjustments:
Most people need no adjustments to their orthotics. However, if necessary they can be adjusted or re-made.
Most people are comfortable in their new orthotics within 2 weeks. Some who have had pain for a long period of time may take a longer time to break in their orthotics. This period is because the orthotics are changing years of foot, muscle and tendon dysfunction. With improved biomechanics, the entire lower extremity will move more efficiently and decrease stress and strain throughout the body.
Adjustments:
Most people need no adjustments to their orthotics. However, if necessary they can be adjusted or re-made.
Get Them Now!
A proper physical therapy evaluation is necessary for making the impressions for the orthotics. This is not included in the price of the orthotics. This is important because not everyone needs orthotics. Those that do need orthotics also need their feet evaluated, their specific needs allotted for, and time to make the impressions for the orthotics. Please contact Sarah to schedule an evaluation and for more information.
A proper physical therapy evaluation is necessary for making the impressions for the orthotics. This is not included in the price of the orthotics. This is important because not everyone needs orthotics. Those that do need orthotics also need their feet evaluated, their specific needs allotted for, and time to make the impressions for the orthotics. Please contact Sarah to schedule an evaluation and for more information.