Everyone needs a little support from time to time. A leg up. A helping hand. An expert touch.
We can’t do it all on our own, and sometimes our body’s joints can’t do it naturally all on their own either. It’s a fact of life, and why our wide range of orthopaedic bracing solutions have evolved to become our most frequently purchased product line.
An orthopaedic brace is a device designed to provide support, stability, protection and/or alignment to a specific part of the body such as a joint, bone or muscle. They are commonly used for injury recovery, pain relief/management and even minor correction of misalignment. As two of the body’s most well-weathered joints, elbow and knee braces are especially popular and are used to treat a number of diagnosed and non-diagnosed conditions; orthopaedic braces are also commonly used for the back, wrist and hand, ankle and foot, shoulder and even the hip. Braces can be used daily to treat a chronic condition or just used for a couple of weeks to provide relief after an injury or operation.
Everyone’s body is different, and when selecting a bracing product it’s crucial to keep this in mind. As we explained in our blog on compression products, we see clients all the time who have purchased a medical device online only to discover that the product does not fit or work properly. Your elbow is not the same as the next person’s so it’s a good idea to visit our store and speak directly with Cathie Ruston, one of our in-house bracing specialists certified in fitting compression garments and orthotics.
“It’s important for us to understand the indications and exactly what is happening,” explains Cathie. “When a client comes in for a fitting, with or without a prescription, I like to begin with a brief interview to get insight into the patient’s condition. Then I measure, fit, explain how to wear the device properly, when to wear it, and even how to wash and clean the device for better hygiene and ensure the product lasts longer.”
The reason it’s so important to not just blindly order something online or grab an off-the-shelf product at a drug store is that the perfect fit means everything. If it’s too small, it’s going to cut off circulation; too large and it will slide around while not even offering the stability it’s meant to deliver.
Canada’s first Medi-certified orthopaedic bracing dealer
Medi is one of the world’s foremost names in high-end orthopaedic bracing products. Based in Germany, a country well regarded for its focus on uncompromising quality in innovation and production, Medi offers orthoses and braces ideally suited to the indications and for the area of use.
Medi braces incorporate the latest know-how and technologies to ensure optimized patient comfort. Advantages include
Clima Comfort technology to quickly wick moisture from the skin and ensure a high level of breathability;
Clima Fresh technology to provide an odour-inhibiting effect; and
Comfort Zone engineering to provide soft zones in the sensitive flexion area so the orthoses does not cause uncomfortable pressure.
We have long respected the consistent dedication to quality offered by Medi and, in 2023, we contacted the organization to inquire about bracing certification in order to get a deeper understanding of their products and how to best support our clients.
“The conversation progressed to the point where Medi offered to put us through their certification program,” Cathie recalls. “This was something they had never done before in Canada. The certification program involved us completing a specialized course and undergoing a full day of in-store training with a Medi representative. We learned about the various injuries and indications, what the braces are made of, how each brace functions, its purpose, and how to ensure our clients use their equipment properly.”
Will my insurance cover my orthopaedic brace?
One of the most popular questions clients ask is whether their orthopaedic brace is covered under their health benefits. For a brace to be covered, the patient must first have a prescription from their doctor or clinician. Next, it comes down to the patient’s insurance provider and policy; some offer coverage and some do not. Your best bet is to contact your insurer first to understand the nature of your coverage before submitting a claim.
Joints age. Injuries and accidents happen. It’s inevitable that sometime soon, someone, or someone you know, will need the help and support of an orthopaedic bracing product. When that time comes, you can turn to KCHME for the specialized support you need. Contact us online to book a fitting appointment or call us at either 250-365-7772 (Castlegar) or 250-426-6600 (Cranbrook).