Interventions
ORLAU’s assessment services lead to treatment recommendations. The following interventions can be delivered by our department.
- Contracture Correction Devices – stretching orthoses
- Functional Electrical Stimulation
- ORLAU Standing frames
- Orthotic prescription and tuning service – AFOs, KAFOs and Stance Control Orthoses(SCOs)
- Walking Devices – weight relief and movement control for people who do not walk unaided
These are often used on long term loan, with checks on the fit and effectiveness of equipment being made every 6 to 12 months.
Contracture Correction Devices – stretching orthoses
A Contracture Correction Device (CCD) is a way of applying a regular stretch to joints. Wearing a CCD will apply a controlled force in the correct position for a set time each day. This helps to lengthen tight structures and over time should enable you to move your affected limbs further or more easily. These are often custom made for knees and ankles, and we use off-the-shelf braces for elbows.
Information videos:
- Instructions for use of knee extending CCD
- Instructions for use of ankle dorsiflexing and knee extending CCD
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) uses a small battery powered unit connected to pads that are placed on the skin. It passes a low current though nerve and muscle to get muscle to work. This is most commonly used for drop-foot for Multiple Sclerosis or stroke but can also be used for conditions and uses.
ORLAU Standing frames
A standing frame is a device that supports the body in an upright position, holding the same position every time it is used. It gives the opportunity to stand and weight bear, whilst stretching joints and soft tissues. Being upright has been shown to reduce weakening of leg bones due to reduced standing and improve bladder and bowel function. It also gives the potential to carry out everyday activities or play games at the same level as friends and family.
Sometimes our standing frames have a mechanism added that allows the person using the frame to move the frame from room to room – this is called a Swivel Walker.
Information videos:
- Standing position with or without assistance
- Semi-inclined position with or without assistance
- Hoist position from the floor
Orthotic prescription and tuning service
Peole who need support for their legs and feet when walking may be provided with Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs), Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) or Stance Control Orthoses (SCOs). These can provide correction of alignment of the body, compensation for weakness, or control of tight or over-active muscles. The exact specification of the orthoses or footwear can be different for each person, so we use video technology to “tune” the orthoses to make sure the support is the best it can be.
Walking Devices
A Walking Device is a frame that is designed to make walking easier by taking some of your weight off your legs - the frame takes the weight instead.This can be helpful for people who do not walk unaided. Some walking devices take weight from your arms and hands, others take weight from your chest and bottom. Most have wheels. For children or adults with strength or muscle control problems who cannot normally walk without assistance, a walking device can allow independent walking for exercise, socialising, and upright mobility.
There are a number of Walking Devices available on the market, and the team in ORLAU are familiar with many of these. Our physiotherapists and engineers can assess which device best suits specific needs, and if necessary, custom modifications can be made in our workshop to give exactly the right level of support. Sometimes additional braces or orthotics are also needed.
Online device instructions
As part of the interventions or treatments that we provide, we sometimes use devices manufactured by other companies. Below is a list of links to some of these devices that will provide further information and user instructions for patients, families or carers.
- CDS braces - elbow extension brace (this is the type that's issued to the majority of patients. Instructions are available for all types of CDS braces on the Brace Orthopaedic website).
- Meywalk walking device
- Grillo walking device