Helios braces

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

You inquired a few weeks ago about ers' experience with the

Helios brace from Ortho Rehab Designs.

I live in New Hampshire and had the same reservations as you have

about going to Las Vegas for my Helios braces. What if they needed

adjustments? Was it worth the money? How much would my insurance pay?

Would the braces be that much better than my Toe-Offs?

Not to worry! I arrived at Mitch's office needing a cane to walk,

and being unable to stand for even a moment without assistance. I

have had my new braces since May and they have changed my life. It's

like a miracle. I can stand for hours while facilitating a group

effort, I can walk the length of the mall, and my gait is so smooth

that you'd never know I had a walking disability. (I still have

difficulty on ramps and need the railing when using the

stairs;today's snow made me a little more cautious when walking to my

car at the health club.)My posture has improved to the point where

everyone says Gee, you look taller! I guess when you're not worried

about falling you can stand up straight.

Mitch made sure the fit was absolutely perfect, with no potential

sore spots. I haven't needed any adjustments at all, and I am more

comfortable wearing my braces than not. It took a few months before

I adjusted to the totally different feel of the Helios design. For

one thing, they are higher than my previous braces-up to the middle

of my knee-- and there is absolutely no " give " at the ankle. This

makes descending stairs and getting up from a low chair a challenge,

but otherwise I have a completely satisfactory range of motion.

I took pictures of my adventure with Mitch and kept a diary of my

progress for the first two months. I'd be happy to share them if you

are interested.

Donna