Orthotics & Footwear
Footwear assessment and orthotic prescription where they genuinely add something.
Orthoses work — for the right presentation, at the right time. They're a way of changing the load on a structure while capacity is built, and sometimes a long-term answer where anatomy requires it. What they aren't is the default response to every foot that looks unusual, and we'll tell you when footwear alone would do the same job for less.
What's involved
Footwear assessment
Often the highest-value, lowest-cost intervention available. The right shoe for your foot, your sport and your training surface.
Prefabricated and custom devices
We'll recommend the simplest thing that will work. Plenty of presentations respond to a well-chosen prefabricated device rather than a custom one.
Footwear modification
Wedging, rocker soles and lacing changes to alter load without a full orthotic prescription.
Review and exit plan
Where an orthosis is prescribed as support during rehabilitation, we plan for reducing reliance on it as strength improves.
What to expect
Your appointment, stage by stage.
Assessment
History, physical examination, gait and movement analysis, and objective strength testing where it's relevant. We're building a picture of what the limb can currently tolerate.
Diagnosis
A clear explanation of what's happening and why — in plain language, with the reasoning shown. Imaging or onward referral where it will change the plan.
Treatment
A staged plan combining manual therapy, exercise prescription, footwear or orthotic support and activity modification, weighted to what your presentation actually needs.
Follow-up
Re-testing against the baseline so progress is measured, not assumed, and the plan adjusts as capacity improves.
Common questions
Orthotics & Footwear, answered.
Will I be in orthotics forever?
Often no. Where the device is supporting you through a rehabilitation phase, the aim is to build enough capacity that you need less of it over time. Some structural presentations do warrant long-term use, and we'll be clear if yours is one.
Are custom orthotics better than off-the-shelf?
Not automatically. Custom devices matter where foot shape or a specific correction requires them. For a lot of presentations, a good prefabricated device performs just as well.
Do I need new shoes?
Maybe, and we'll say so if footwear is the main problem — but we won't send you shopping to solve something footwear can't fix.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're in pain, an assessment is the only way to know what's actually happening — book online or call 9284 0736.
