A Prosthesis, or prosthetic, is an artificial limb. It is used when a person’s natural limb is missing or absent.

An Orthosis, or orthotic, is a brace that corrects a part of the body. It can also stabilize and protect part of the body.

A Physiatrist is a physician that specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine.

A Certified Prosthetist CP(C) or Orthotist CO(C) is a professional who has completed extensive training in assessing, designing, creating, fitting and evaluating the use of prosthetic and orthotic treatments.

To become a Certified Prosthetist or Certified Orthotist, one must complete a post-graduate Prosthetics and Orthotics Program offered at either the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Burnaby, British Columbia or George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario. Following graduation, the individual must complete a minimum of a 3450-hour residency and pass a series of comprehensive examinations before being designated as Certified.

We recommend that you meet a few clinicians and choose the person you feel most comfortable working with. The relationship you develop with your Prosthetist or Orthotist is a long-term one. It is also recommended you choose someone who is Canadian Certified, to ensure the best care. To find a list of clinicians near you, you can visit https://www.opcanada.ca/

Most funding agencies require a prescription from your doctor to be submitted before they will approve to cover your treatment for small adjustments and repairs; however, it isn’t always needed. Ask your clinician or family doctor to clarify the prescription criteria.

Bring your prescription and any details about your insurance company. If you are visiting about your lower extremities (foot, knee, hip), please bring a pair of shorts and comfortable walking shoes. If you are visiting about upper extremities (elbow, shoulders, back) please bring a tank top to wear.

You should see your Prosthetist or Orthotist if you notice any of the following:

• Pain or discomfort in your limb

• Weight loss or weight gain

• A change in your activity level

• Damage or wear on any parts of your prosthesis or orthosis

All custom-made and most pre-fabricated orthoses are covered for reasonable repairs and adjustments for 60 days from the dispense date. (Example: If a pair of foot orthotics is dispensed on January 1, 2014, then most adjustments are covered up to March 1, 2014).

Certain components and braces will have a manufacturer-set warranty period and Pentland’s will handle any warranty replacement that you require. Clients are always welcome back for adjustments beyond the “warranty period”, when they may be charged a fee.

Please contact us at (604) 324-4011 or visit our Contact page.