We are excited and proud to have partnered with DM Orthotics Ltd who specialise in the design and manufacture of the patented dynamic movement orthosis. They are a UK based company helping people around the world to improve their day-to-day lives, aiming to help patients improve their function and their independence.
What is a dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis?
A soft orthosis is worn to help manage abnormal muscle tone and neurological dysfunction, i.e. hold a part of your body in improved postural alignment to help improve function. The orthosis offers both sensory feedback due to the compression, which also aids in joint stability and strategically placed panels which aid mechanical realignment. Orthoses may be required for a hand/wrist, arm, shoulder, pelvis, leg, knee, ankle or a whole suit, see the photos below of some examples!
How are they made?
DMO® orthoses are made from a unique material with properties similar to Lycra to provide a combination of flexibility and comfort. A combination of the latest CADCAM technology and highly skilled manufacturing staff bring panels of special compression material, strategically placed, reinforced and stitched to support optimal body alignment. Subsequent changes in positioning stimulate messages within the neurosensory system influencing the function of the muscles and nerves.
There are both pre-sized and made-to-measure options available subject to your requirements with a key advantage of made-to-measure options ensuring the orthosis meets your needs as two people with the same condition may present with different needs.
Who uses dynamic movement orthoses®?
These garments can help people with:
- Low/ high muscle tone
- Impaired movement patterns
- Increased risk of joint dislocations, instability or subluxations e.g. hypermobility conditions
- Impaired walking patterns
These symptoms can be as a result of an accident, trauma or specific condition including:
- Neurological conditions such as;
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rett Syndrome
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Huntingdon’s Chorea
- Stroke
- Traumatic or acquired brain injury
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Scoliosis – both neuromuscular and idiopathic
- Hypermobile conditions including Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder or Ehlers Danlos Syndromes
How do I know if an orthosis is the right thing for me?
Depending on your condition you may already have been assessed (to reach a diagnosis for example) by other health care professionals to support your care to date. However, as with any medical device, you need to first be assessed to ensure that an orthosis is a suitable approach for you. Our facility and specialist practitioners are not only trained experts in the neuromusculoskeletal system but have also been trained by DM Orthotics Ltd.
If you have previously had imaging such as x-ray, MRI or CT scans we suggest you obtain copies of these to help in the assessment process, we can assist you in this process if required. If, however you have not had any imaging and it is deemed required, we have x-ray facilities at the clinic and can be done at the time of assessment.
Once a thorough assessment has been completed and if an orthosis is deemed appropriate, we will discuss your options and pricing details. There are two key options:
- DMO® Essentials orthoses – Stability Shorts and Shoulder Stability Orthoses – Double, available in a variety of pre-determined sizes (including child) in both male and female styles
- DMO® Custom orthoses – all other options e.g. glove, sleeve, leggings, ankle, foot or bodysuit are made-to-measure.
Why choose a Dynamic Movement Orthosis® (DMO®)?
Depending on your situation you may have other options open to you such as rigid bracing or off the shelf / online generic soft orthosis. It is also important to remember your practitioner may be prescribing targeted exercises, lifestyle advice, and physical therapies to aid in helping you reach your health goals. A key advantage of the soft orthosis, if suitable for you, is the flexibility so you can still move around freely.
DMO® designs and technology are backed by research and both Spriggs Chiropractic and DMO® are committed to continuing with research. Furthering research can help provide more refined parameters and predictable results for the use of orthotic devices. A custom fit orthosis tailored to your needs and requirements allows for confidence in targeted areas of support. Orthoses are prescribed by qualified practitioners based on your specific needs and goals.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions we are asked, however, if you want to know more about our services and DMO® products then please feel free to contact us and we can set up a video call with a specialist.
What happens if my weight changes?
Some body orthoses (e.g. shorts, leggings, bodysuits) mean that a change in weight may mean they no longer fit correctly, therefore, you are either not able to wear it or it is no longer having maximum effect. It is suggested that you are at a stable weight ahead of proceeding with an orthotic. If however your weight changes unexpectedly, e.g. as a result of medications, there are options to have the orthosis altered (at your cost) and depending on the change it may not always be possible.
We do offer a service with our sister company Spriggs Nutrition to support you with targeted weight management. This is something we can discuss with you and arrange a free introductory chat with Helen our Registered Nutritional Therapist.
What colours are the orthoses available in?
DMO® Essentials Shoulder Stability orthoses, or Stability Shorts are available in black or beige. DMO® Custom garments come in a range of colours, in some cases, they can be two-tone. One little boy was able to request his orthoses in Spiderman colours!
Do I wear it under or over my clothes?
DMO® orthoses are worn under clothing. For certain types of made-to-measure orthoses, you can choose options such as open or closed crotch, front bust opening, different type and location of fastening e.g. zips or hook and loop.
Can I wash my orthosis?
Yes, there are specific washing and drying instructions that will be provided with your orthosis.
Can I wear my orthosis when playing sport?
Soft body orthoses are designed to help improve function and encourage independence for the user including being active. In fact, for some, it is as a result of wearing their orthosis they can keep active.
How long do I wear my orthosis for every day? & do I have to wear it forever?
The answer to two questions depends on you as an individual. Influencing factors include if your need for an orthotic is as part of rehabilitation and is in conjunction with for example physical therapy or if you are using it to support a life-long condition. Our specialists will happily discuss your requirements with you at a consultation.
If you’d like to know more, please visit our Contact Us page we can arrange a free 20 minute telephone or video call to discuss your needs and appropriate next steps.