Thousands of braces are available and it can be difficult to choose. After seeing how many knee and ankle braces perform for different diagnoses and in different environments, Jeremy definitely has a few favourites. Below are several of the top performers. They are not always the cheapest, but they are some of the best. These braces are always in stock in a wide range of sizes from FusionPhysio. If you don’t have yours, we can usually get it in 2 days.
There isn’t a more broadly successful brace in our experience than the Bauerfeind Genutrain. From ligament and cartilage injuries, to patellofemoral issues, to osteoarthritis, I’ve seen the Genutrain help client after client. Even for those who require a rigid offload or stabilization brace, it makes a fantastic companion brace for those times you just need some pain relief and lighter support. But this brace is amazing. It will stay up and last you a long time. It is covered by most extended benefit plans. At $160, it is not the cheapest mild to moderate stability brace, but its features are such that it is covered by most extended benefit plans.
After moderate to severe ankle sprain, protection of the ligament is often recommended for 6 or more months. Chronic Ankle Instability can lead receptive strains and ankle arthritis. The Ossur Formfit ankle is designed to prevent against reinjury of the ankle ligaments. The rigid plastic stays prevents in/out movement at the ankle and it design and speed lace make it a breeze to put on. For $65, it is a small price to pay to manage ankle sprains and reduce your harmful effects of chronic ankle instability.
Moderate ligament sprains often require rigid support. If you have knee instability from an MCL, LCL, or ACL injury and don’t have the coverage or need for a custom brace, the Playmaker II may be a great support for you. The spacer material and choice of wrap / sleeve styles make this a great choice for recovery and prevention of re-injury from significant ligament sprains. The Playmaker II is one of FusionPhysio’s top choices for our work with local contact sports teams, such as the Chilliwack Husker’s football team.
Do you have early knee osteoarthritis and just need some mild unloading of the affected compartment? The Ossur Formfit Pro Knee OA Is a great solution. This is a dynamic, lightweight, and compressive knee sleeve for people in an early stage of knee osteoarthritis (OA) without the rigidity and expense of the custom unloader braces required by those with a more advanced disease.
While rigid ankle braces have their place, they can often be a challenge for footwear, particularly cleats and other low-volume shoes. Bauerfeind’s approach to ankle bracing uses medical grade compression and taping simulation to offer a low profile solution that fits in all types of footwear. The Malleotrain S and the Malleotrain Plus are both comfortable braces can be used for both acute and chronic ankle instability and swelling.
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Many prefabricated braces are covered by insurance plans. As a physiotherapy clinic, we are already accustomed to the intricacies fo the multitude of insurers. Whether your coverage is through your employe extended health benefit plan, WorkSafeBC, DVA, RCMP, ICBC, DND, or other Government Program, we are familiar for them all.
Although clinics can’t bill your device directly, we often will know exactly what you need to get your brace funded, and if we don’t, we know how to help you get it. In many cases, our in-house physiotherapists can even write your referral and a predetermination quote, saving you the time. We can also connect you with a virtual physical appointment in 24-48 hours to get the referral you need sent directly to us.
You may have coverage for a prefabricated brace through your employer’s benefit plan, WorkSafe, ICBC, or other government program such as RCMP, DVA, DND coverage. See your insurance paperwork, or contact the customer service line to see what you are entitled to under your plan, and any referrals you might require. Most extended benefit plans require braces contain components of metal, rigid plastic, or medical grade compression.
Braces most often require a doctor’s referral, but in some cases will accept a referral from one of our in-house physiotherapists. Contact us if you have any questions about getting a referral. We can also often assist in getting you a physical referral.
Call the clinic at 604-792-8648 or email info@fusionphysiochilliwack.com to make your appointment.
Email Our Bracing and Orthotics Team Directly: orthotics@fusionphysiochilliwack.com
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