Paediatric Orthotist Services Melbourne
At Orthotics Plus, we proudly see paediatric patients who require Orthotic interventions. We help our younger patients with everything from simple footwear advice and foot orthotics to complex equipment prescription.
We employ a specialist paediatric Orthotist who has specialist training in kinematics and biomechanics to assist with complex neuromuscular conditions, such as those living with cerebral palsy or spina bifida.
With younger patients, it’s important to start interventions early so they can develop proximal strength, coordination and minimise potential deformities. This is especially true if they are living with a condition that may be causing gait deviations.
Paediatric Conditions We Treat
Meet The Team
Discover Orthotics Plus’ team. We work together to deliver the best results for our patients.
Director / Senior Orthotist
Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics from La Trobe University in 2004.
Prior to starting Orthotics Plus, Kate worked at a number of different public and private facilities in Melbourne, gaining experience in foot & ankle, spinal, neuromuscular (particularly polio), vascular and fracture management.
Stephen Owens, Qualified Orthotist
Steve Owens has been serving the Richmond region and the Epworth Hospital with exceptional care for close to 30 years.
Steve provides a strong emphasis on current techniques and personal service.
Patient Experience at Orthotics Plus
All our Orthotists and admin staff are friendly and understanding of paediatrics and their varying needs.
When first working with young patients, we will often heavily rely on the parent, carer, or support person that comes in with the child to try and establish the patient’s condition.
For example, guardians are very useful to describe pain and their observations of biomechanical issues. We can then discuss treatment options based on the child’s needs and the parent or carer’s preferences.
If appropriate, we will apply for any needed funding to further support the child’s care, such as NDIS Assistive Technology requests.
Orthotics Plus staff hold current WWCC certifications.
Long Term Care Planning for Paediatric Patients
As a holistic care provider, Orthotics Plus is considerate of the long-term needs of our patients and our work alongside other Allied health professionals.
We will communicate with other parties such as GPs, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to ensure that our care plan and goals align with theirs, and that of the patient.
For example, if we fit an AFO, we’ll want to ensure that the Physiotherapist is made aware of this and can appropriately assist with gait retraining, as well as provide us with feedback.
Because kids grow so quickly, it’s common that they will grow out of their prescription within a short-medium timeframe. In addition, each paediatric patient has different activity levels and goals.
As such, Orthotics Plus is dedicated to appropriate long term management of our wonderful patients.
At Orthotics Plus we are proud of our short wait times so patients can have their orthoses provided, repaired/replaced quickly so kids are able to get back to doing what they love!
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Paediatric Referrals for Orthotics Plus
Orthotics Plus was established in 2012 and our senior clinicians have served paediatric patients for a minimum of 10 years. Please note that:
- We can help you develop a care plan for your child
- We do not over-manage our paediatric patients
- Our staff are friendly and compassionate
- We offer a high level of service
Please use one of the buttons below to contact us.
Children's Orthotics FAQ
No.
We can, however, recommend some appropriate stores and give advice as to the most appropriate footwear required.
There are many shoes that can accommodate orthotics, but not ALL shoes are appropriate,
We tend to give advice as to what features you need to look for to ensure the shoes are appropriate for orthotics.
Our main focus is on work/school shoes and exercise shoes.
Outside of school/work and exercise, there may be times that you can wear dressier shoes that you can’t fit orthotics into, and that’s ok for certain occasions.
When we first put orthotics in kid’s shoes, we ask them to wear them in slowly. 1-2 hours on the first day, 2-3 hours on the second day and then increase gradually each day.
We also ask them to walk before they run, so 7-10 days before they use them for exercise to minimise the risk of blisters and soreness, which is short term.
For paediatrics with the capacity to communicate, they should be able to express if their pain has reduced with the Orthotics, which is ultimately what we’re trying to achieve. Hopefully, the child will state something like “my pain is not as bad” or they just complain of pain after activities less.
For paediatrics who cannot communicate (i.e due to a disability), hopefully, they return to activities they previously avoided because of pain. This may present as an increased desire to walk or perform other physical activities.
Certain facets of healthcare such as coordination development are outside the scope of our Orthotists. As a holistic provider, we would help you identify other medical professionals to work with when necessary.
Teenagers are able to visit us independently.
Orthotics Plus encourages parents/guardians to attend all appointments.
As mentioned above, all Orthotics Plus staff hold current Working With Children Checks.
If a parent or guardian is unable to attend with their teenage dependent, we are more than happy to phone the parent/guardian to update them on the appointment and relevant information.
The primary information that our Orthotists require is the diagnosis of the patient, such as X-rays from a recent fracture and the reason for referral.
You are able to self refer using our referral form here which you can attach documentation to, our office will contact you to confirm the details.