Editor's Memo

Keeping up in a down economy

What we have suspected for months is now official: we are in a recession. And although healthcare was once thought to be recession-proof, recent developments suggest otherwise. Many Americans faced with increased costs, investment losses, and job insecurity have slashed their spending for doctor appointments, elective procedures, and prescription drugs. Read More

Featured Articles

Foot Orthoses: Scanning Technology

Clinicians find more options for orthoses in diabetic program

It is no surprise that Sharon Tabor, a pedorthist who works largely with patients who have diabetes is looking forward to Amfit’s new diabetic program. Many of the business decisions she has made in the practice she shares with her husband, Kendall Tabor, DPM, in Marquette, MI, revolve around serving her patient base. Read More

Foot Orthoses: Custom

Sports-specific injuries benefit from customized orthoses

Who knew that when baby boomers set out to change the world, one way they would leave their mark would be by remaining physically active way into retirement. It’s now commonplace for patients in their 50s, 60s, and even older to run or play basketball at an age when their parents were content to knit, play bridge, and do crossword puzzles. Read More

Rehabilitation: Exercise & Therapy Devices

McKenzie method targets back pain by classifying mechanical responses

It might have been a coincidence that 1953, the year that physiotherapist Robin McKenzie went into private practice, was the same year that Hugh Murray, PT, was born. But that would be ironic, since the method of back pain management developed by McKenzie in New Zealand and used by Murray in the U.S. for 32 years dictates that everything happens for a reason. Read More

Foot Orthoses: Materials

Artful molding: Next-generation carbon composite offers ease of use

Whether making foot orthoses for other orthotists or his own patients, Jason Bradshaw, CO, said he has found a durable easy-to-use material that saves him time and money. Read More

Footcare: Footwear

Diabetic footwear steps out: Stylish shoes enhance compliance

As the incidence of diabetes skyrockets, many of its associated conditions also are on the rise, including ulceration and infections brought on by neuropathy and poor circulation, and osteomyelitis. These conditions frequently can lead to amputation. In fact, clinicians now consider preventive footcare and accommodative footwear an essential part of a treatment program for patients with diabetes. Read More

Braces/Immobilization: Spinal & Hip Braces

Nighttime is the right time: Scoliosis bracing system appeals to adolescents

When treating adolescents, achieving the proper fit in a spinal orthosis is only part of the task. Ask any experienced orthotist—or exasperated parent—and they’ll attest that convincing youngsters to wear a brace for extended periods of time is its own challenge. Read More

Braces/Immobilization: Ankle Braces

PTTD patients turn to AFOs for gains in pain relief and function

Many nonsurgical options are available for the treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, from simple foot orthoses to UCB orthoses to interventions with ankle foot orthoses. Selecting the right treatment for PTTD, a condition with a complex etiology that involves attenuation and/or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon, depends on many factors. These include how long the patient has had the condition, its severity, and the number of secondary deformities that may have occurred. Read More