What is a Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist?

We shorten it to COP/CPO, but to become certified in orthotics and prosthetics today an individual has completed a Bachelors with medical pre-requisites, Attended one of 12 Masters of Orhtotics & Prosthetics programs in the US, then complete residency in each discipline and pass the series of board exams. In the past requirements have shifted somewhat, but the residency and board exams have remained the same. My education and practice since then includes heavy focus on problem identification and solving. I focus on finding solutions that work best for you in your life.

Do you take insurance?

I do not. Part of why I started this consulting business is because I found insurance doesn’t cover bracing for EDS/HSD as would best benefit my patients. I have put a lot of thoughtful effort into ensuring my fees respect your finances while also respecting my time, experience & expertise.

How does bracing help EDS/HSD

Forgive this generalization, but the majority of hypermobile individuals I work with come to me to discuss joint stabilization. With EDS/HSD our ligaments/tendons aren’t doing their job perfectly & our muscles are tired of compensating. A brace can help do the ligaments’ job either in the short term while we pursue healing & strengthening, or in the long term if the joint is simply too hypermobile to be rehabbed.

Will bracing weaken my joints over time?

This is an important concern because yes. It is very possible to become excessively dependent on bracing to the point that our soft tissue can no longer manage the joint independently. Depending on the brace and the joint in question, we are variably concerned about this. Braces and joints that are at high risk of atrophy (weakening from disuse) will come with a warning against overuse. This includes any spinal bracing as well as shoulder bracing.