Understanding Orthotic Services at Revive Rehab
Your feet form the foundation for every step you take, and even small mechanical inefficiencies here, such as excessive pronation, a high or flat arch, or uneven weight distribution, can influence how load travels up through the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Custom orthotics are designed to correct or accommodate these specific mechanical patterns, providing support precisely where your individual foot structure needs it rather than the generic support found in over-the-counter shoe inserts.
At Revive Rehab, our orthotic assessment process begins with a detailed evaluation of your foot structure, arch type, and walking or running gait, often supported by pressure mapping or gait analysis technology. This allows us to identify exactly where your foot mechanics deviate from an efficient pattern and design a custom device specifically matched to your foot shape and functional needs, rather than fitting you to a standard, pre-made template.
Orthotics are frequently recommended as part of a broader treatment plan for conditions like plantar fasciitis, chronic ankle instability, or knee pain related to poor lower limb alignment, working alongside physiotherapy or chiropractic care rather than as a standalone fix. We also provide clear guidance on realistic expectations, since orthotics support and redistribute load effectively but work best when combined with any other underlying strength or mobility work your assessment identifies.
It is worth noting that not everyone with foot pain needs custom orthotics, and part of a thorough assessment is determining whether your presentation would genuinely benefit from a custom device or whether targeted strengthening, footwear changes, or other conservative measures would serve you just as well. We would rather give you an honest recommendation based on your specific mechanics than default to prescribing orthotics for every patient who walks through the door, since the goal is a solution that actually fits your situation.
The Revive Rehab Care Difference
Conditions Orthotics May Help Support
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain, often most noticeable with the first steps in the morning, related to strain on the plantar fascia.
Recurrent Ankle Sprains
Chronic ankle instability or repeated sprains related to foot alignment or ankle mechanics.
Patellofemoral Knee Pain
Anterior knee pain related to poor lower limb alignment, sometimes influenced by foot pronation affecting knee tracking.
Hip and Lower Back Pain Linked to Gait
Discomfort in the hip or lower back potentially influenced by uneven leg length or gait asymmetry.
Diabetic and High-Risk Foot Care
Foot health concerns requiring extra protective cushioning and pressure redistribution.
Our Orthotic Assessment and Fitting Process
Foot Structure and Arch Assessment
A hands-on evaluation of your foot shape, arch height, and flexibility to understand your baseline foot mechanics.
Gait and Pressure Analysis
Assessment of your walking or running pattern, sometimes supported by pressure mapping technology, to identify specific mechanical inefficiencies.
Custom Device Fabrication
Your orthotic is custom fabricated based on your specific assessment findings, rather than selected from a generic range of pre-made inserts.
Fitting and Follow-Up Adjustment
Once your orthotics are ready, we confirm fit and comfort, making any needed adjustments as you begin wearing them regularly.
Your Orthotic Assessment and Fitting Journey
Stage 1: Initial Foot and Gait Assessment
Understanding Your Mechanics (Session 1)
We assess your foot structure, arch type, and gait pattern, discussing your symptoms and goals to determine whether orthotics are appropriate for your situation.
Stage 2: Casting or Scanning
Capturing Your Foot Shape (Session 1 or 2)
A cast or digital scan of your foot is taken to provide the precise measurements needed for custom orthotic fabrication.
Stage 3: Custom Fabrication
Building Your Device (Typically 2 to 3 Weeks)
Your orthotics are custom fabricated based on your assessment and foot measurements, tailored specifically to your needs.
Stage 4: Fitting and Adjustment
Confirming Comfort and Function (Follow-Up Visit)
We confirm your orthotics fit comfortably and function as intended, making any necessary adjustments and providing guidance on breaking them in gradually.
Orthotic Support for Specific Needs
Runners and Active Individuals
Custom orthotics can help address gait inefficiencies contributing to recurring overuse injuries in runners and other active individuals.
Standing Occupations
Patients who stand for long periods at work often benefit from custom orthotic support to reduce foot fatigue and lower limb strain.
Post-Injury Foot and Ankle Support
Following an ankle sprain or foot injury, orthotics can provide additional support and stability during the recovery process.
Diabetic and Sensitive Foot Care
Specialized orthotic design can help redistribute pressure for patients requiring extra foot protection due to diabetes or reduced sensation.
Insurance & Direct Billing for Orthotic Services
Extended Health Benefits: Many extended health plans include coverage for custom orthotics, often requiring a physician or podiatrist prescription. We provide documentation to support your claim.
ICBC and WorkSafeBC Claims: When orthotics are clinically indicated as part of your recovery from a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury, we coordinate this with your claim.
Direct Billing Where Available: We submit directly to your insurance provider where your plan supports direct billing for orthotic devices.
Direct Billing Available
We offer direct billing with many major Canadian insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan, so our team can help you confirm your benefits before your visit.
- Canada Life
- Manulife
- Sun Life
- GreenShield
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Blue Cross
- Desjardins Insurance
- ClaimSecure
- Empire Life
- Equitable Life
- Beneva
- Johnson Insurance
- Industrial Alliance
- GroupHEALTH
- Chambers Plan
- TELUS Health eClaims
Direct billing availability depends on your plan, provider rules, and treatment type. Please contact the clinic or check your benefits to confirm coverage.
Complementary Care Pathways
Related Condition Knowledge Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Many extended health plans require a physician or podiatrist prescription for reimbursement. We can help guide you through this process if needed.
Fabrication typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks after your assessment and casting or scanning appointment.
Orthotics support and redistribute load effectively, but they work best when combined with any underlying strength or mobility work identified during your assessment.
Yes, when foot mechanics are contributing to alignment issues higher up the leg, orthotics can help address strain in the knees, hips, or lower back.
Most custom orthotics last 1 to 3 years depending on your activity level and how they are used, though this varies by individual and device type.
Most orthotics can be transferred between similar shoe types, though very different footwear, such as dress shoes versus running shoes, may need separate consideration.
Yes, we recommend gradually increasing wear time over 1 to 2 weeks to allow your feet to adjust comfortably to the new support.
Custom orthotics are built specifically to your foot shape and mechanics, offering more precise support than generic, one-size inserts.
Many extended health plans include an orthotic benefit, often requiring a prescription. We provide documentation to support your claim.
Yes, custom orthotics can be appropriate for children with specific foot alignment or gait concerns, assessed on an individual basis.
Not necessarily. Some patients use orthotics temporarily while addressing an underlying strength or mobility issue, while others benefit from ongoing use depending on their specific foot structure.
Yes, additional orthotics can be made for different shoe types, such as athletic shoes versus work footwear, based on your specific needs and activities.
Some initial adjustment sensation is normal during the break-in period, but persistent discomfort should be brought back to us for evaluation and potential adjustment.
Yes, orthotics gradually wear down with regular use, and we recommend periodic reassessment to determine when replacement is appropriate for your activity level.
Minor adjustments can often be made to improve fit or comfort after your initial fitting, based on how your feet respond during the break-in period.
Orthotics add some volume inside your shoe, so we account for this during assessment and can advise on any footwear adjustments needed for a comfortable fit.
No, gait analysis is a straightforward, non-invasive part of your assessment, typically involving walking or running on a treadmill or pressure mat while we observe your pattern.
This depends on your specific plan, and we can help clarify what portion of the assessment and device cost your particular coverage applies to before you proceed.