Frequently Asked Questions

Bring any relevant medical documentation (e.g., doctor’s notes, prescriptions, surgical details) and comfortable clothing. If you know you need a knee brace, bring a pair of loose comfortable shorts so we can accurately measure the limb and fit the brace.

Most appointments take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your needs and whether a brace is custom or off-the-shelf.

We provide bracing for surgical recovery, injury rehabilitation, chronic conditions, preventative support, and performance recovery. If you're unsure if bracing is right for you, contact us.

No referral is required for most of our services. If your brace is being covered by insurance or needs to be custom-made, a prescription may be required. We can help you confirm what's needed.

Yes! We offer same-day fittings for off-the-shelf braces. Custom braces take longer as they require fabrication.

We’ll assess your condition, explain your options, and fit you for the most appropriate brace, either custom or off-the-shelf. You’ll leave with a clear plan and full instructions.

Call us or visit in person. We also accept walk-ins for off-the-shelf bracing and product consultations.

Yes. We regularly work with third-party coverage providers including WCB, NIHB, SGI, Veteran Affairs, SAIL, Supplementary Health, and other extended benefits programs.

You’ll typically need a prescription or doctor’s note, your invoice, and a claim form from your insurance provider.

Many insurance plans cover bracing, especially custom solutions or post-surgical supports. We’ll provide a detailed quote and walk you through the claim process.

If you plan to submit your brace to insurance, a referral or requisition from your health care provider is required, regardless of the type of brace.

Often yes, and we work with your surgical team's recommendations. If you don't have specific instructions, our certified fitters will assess your procedure and recommend the most appropriate option.

Mike to Provide

Yes — and we recommend it. Coming in before your procedure means your brace is ready immediately after surgery, when you need it most. Bring your surgical details and we'll get you set up in advance.

Injuries evolve, and so should your support. We offer follow-up adjustments and reassessments as you progress, so your brace keeps pace with your recovery.

Yes — in fact that's often the best time. Getting the right support on early can reduce pain, protect the injury from further damage, and speed up your overall recovery timeline.

That's exactly what we figure out together at your appointment. For many acute injuries, a quality off-the-shelf brace fitted properly does the job well. For more complex injuries or unique anatomy, custom is worth it. We'll give you an honest recommendation.

No — you can come straight to us. If you're planning to submit to insurance, you'll need a prescription or referral from your physician, but you don't need one just to be assessed and fitted.

Not necessarily. Many patients come to us managing symptoms they haven't formally had diagnosed. We can assess your needs and fit you with appropriate support. If your condition requires a physician's referral for insurance purposes, we will help you understand what documentation is needed.

Clinically speaking, they can be the same thing. An injury that persists beyond three months is generally classified as chronic. If you have been dealing with pain or limited function for longer than that, your body may benefit from a different approach than short-term injury treatment. Come in and we will help you figure out where you stand and what kind of support makes the most sense.

Absolutely. Bodies change, conditions evolve, and brace technology improves. We offer ongoing follow-up appointments so your support keeps pace with where you are, not where you were when you were first fitted.

It is a fair question and one we hear often. For most chronic conditions, a well-fitted brace supports function without creating dependency, especially when paired with appropriate exercise or physiotherapy. We will discuss this with you during your assessment and make sure your support plan makes sense for your long-term health.

For conditions you will manage daily over months or years, a custom fit often pays for itself in comfort and compliance. We will give you an honest comparison of custom versus off-the-shelf options for your specific situation and we won't recommend custom unless it genuinely makes a difference for you.

Same-day and next-day fittings are often available at our Lakeside walk-in location. If your situation is time-sensitive, especially around a competition or season, call us directly and we'll do our best to get you in fast.

It depends on your plan and the nature of the injury. Many extended health plans cover bracing with a physician's prescription. We can help you understand what documentation you'll need before submitting a claim.

The right brace fitted properly shouldn't slow you down. We specifically assess your sport and movement patterns to find options that provide support without restricting the mobility your activity demands.

Not at all. Many of our athletes come in for preventative bracing — to protect a vulnerable joint before an injury happens, or to manage an overuse issue before it becomes something worse. You don't need to be hurt to benefit from proper support.

Many extended health plans cover custom orthotics with a physician's prescription or referral. Coverage amounts and requirements vary by plan. We can help you understand what documentation you'll need before you commit to the process.

With proper care, most custom orthotics last two to five years depending on usage and activity level. We recommend a follow-up assessment annually or whenever your symptoms change, your footwear changes significantly, or your orthotics show visible wear.

Plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, knee pain linked to poor foot mechanics, chronic heel pain, and conditions requiring pressure redistribution such as diabetic foot care. If you're unsure whether orthotics would help your situation, come in for an assessment.

Store-bought insoles provide generalised cushioning. Custom orthotics are made from a precise cast or scan of your foot and are designed to address your specific mechanical issues. For many conditions, the difference in outcomes is significant — especially for anything caused or worsened by how your foot actually functions.

Absolutely. Extended sitting during long flights or road trips slows circulation and increases the risk of swelling and blood clots. Graduated compression socks are widely recommended for travel and we can fit you with the right option before your next trip.

You don't need a referral to be assessed and fitted. However, if you're submitting to insurance, a physician's prescription is typically required however requirements vary by plan. We'll walk you through exactly what you need at your first appointment.

Many extended health plans cover custom braces with a physician's prescription or referral. Coverage varies by plan and device type. We can help you understand what documentation you'll need and what to expect from your insurer before you commit.

It depends on the type of brace and fabrication process. Some can be completed quickly, while more complex devices may take a few weeks. We'll give you a clear timeline at your appointment and discuss whether an interim option makes sense while you wait.

Off-the-shelf braces are built for average bodies. A custom brace is built for yours — using precise measurements or molds to match your exact anatomy, condition, and movement needs. For many people the difference in comfort, function, and long-term wearability is significant.

Yes,  we offer custom and off-the-shelf bracing for children and youth, with special attention to growth, comfort, and support needs.

You don’t have to — that’s what we’re here for. Our team will assess your condition and recommend the best solution based on your goals, activity level, and anatomy.

Custom braces are made specifically for your body using scans or molds. They’re ideal for long-term use or complex conditions. Off-the-shelf products are fitted to your body during your appointment.

While we're happy to see you any time during our business hours, timing can affect the accuracy of your fitting. We recommend coming in the early morning when swelling is at its lowest. That said, the best time depends on your individual situation. Our team will help determine what works best for you.

Yes and you don't need a medical condition to benefit. Graduated compression socks are one of the most effective tools for reducing end-of-day leg fatigue, swelling, and discomfort for people who are on their feet for long periods. Come in and we'll show you the options.

Not always. Many compression products are available without a prescription. However, a requisition from your physician is always required for medical-grade compression. If you're claiming through insurance, a referral may also be needed. We'll help you sort out what applies to your situation.

Compression works through graduated pressure — and the wrong level or size can actually be counterproductive, or even harmful for some conditions. A professional fitting ensures you get the right compression class, the right size, and the right garment for your specific needs.

Coverage for maintenance and repairs varies by plan. Some extended health plans cover adjustments or component replacements — we can help you understand what documentation you'd need to submit a claim.

That's exactly what a maintenance check is for. We'll assess the condition of your brace and give you an honest recommendation — repair if it's viable, replace if it's not. We won't push you toward a new brace if your existing one just needs a tune-up.

In most cases, yes. Bring it in and we'll assess what's needed. We work with a wide range of brace types and manufacturers and can advise on whether a repair, adjustment, or replacement makes the most sense.

For minor adjustments and fit checks, walk-ins are welcome at our Lakeside location during business hours. For more involved repairs or component replacements, booking ahead ensures we have the parts and time available. When in doubt, give us a call first.

We’ll provide care instructions specific to your product. Most soft braces can be wiped down or hand-washed. Avoid high heat or harsh detergents.

Yes, even if you didn’t get it from us. We offer fit checks, repairs, and adjustments to keep your brace working well.There is a fee for this type of adjustment.

 It depends on usage and type. Some are designed for short-term use (weeks to months), while others last years. We offer maintenance and replacement options as needed.

Some extended health plans cover specific rehab tools with appropriate documentation. Coverage varies significantly by plan and product type. We can help you understand what might apply to your situation before you purchase.

That's exactly what we figure out together. Recovery gear used at the wrong stage or used incorrectly can slow things down rather than speed them up. We assess where you are and recommend accordingly. You won't leave with a bag of products you don't know how to use.

Absolutely and we encourage it. If your physio has recommended specific tools or exercises, bring that information and we'll make sure what we recommend complements the work you're already doing.

For many items you can walk into our Lakeside location and we'll help you find the right fit on the spot. For a full assessment and personalized recommendations (especially if you're post-surgical or working through a specific injury) booking an appointment gives us the time to do it properly.

A brace provides structural support for a specific joint or area. Rehab gear is the broader toolkit — resistance tools, mobility aids, taping, and recovery accessories — that supports your movement and healing between appointments and alongside your brace.