FAQS

A. Custom orthotics are medically prescribed insoles that can do anything from provide cushioning, to helping correct your body alignment, movement, treat and help prevent damage and pain. Align Orthotics™ are created after a thorough Body Align Assessment by an Align Clinician who has succeeded in our in-depth training to be an expert in biomechanics and foot health. Their designation may be a Chiropodist, Pedorthist, Athletic Therapist or Kinesiologist. They are trained to evaluate beyond the foot, see significant findings in slow motion video gait analysis, provide medical history analysis, hold the foot in a position they determine will be corrected to take a 3D scan and a provide an experiential tutorial on how to shop for shoes for the client's very specific and unique biomechanics. Chosen healthy footwear for each client is always 3D scanned. The medical assessment is critical to diagnosis, desired treatment outcomes and ultimately the design of the Align Orthotics™ medical insole device. The design is then created in CADCAM software, alongside the other structural and biomechanic scans taken. Through a 3D technology process it is milled from the highest quality EVA blocks we import from Germany, in the specific density required for medical needs. The Align Orthotics™ are then hand-finished by our Pedorthic team, layered with our premium hypoallergenic, anti-fungal, thermo-regulating, grippy EucyProtec top covers that contain eucalyptus oil and silver ions. Only then is the custom manufacturing complete. It is then necessary to present and explain the device to the client at their fitting appointment, wear them, evaluate if the intended biomechanic corrections have been made and how they impact the enitre body. Finally, the medical device can be dispensed. For foot nerds like us, it is a fun and exciting process. 

The reason you might think your treatment is either one or the other of these options, might be a result of the insurance information you have been provided with your health insurance coverage plan. Only a foot health medical professional can determine this for you. Please book your appointment to find out.

A. They may or may not provide some amount of coverage for our services and products. That all depends on what type of insurance plan you buy or are provided by your employer. While they will provide a list of items they will cover, the best way to fully understand if you are covered for any of the services we provide, is to phone them with this list of Insurance Coverage Questions.

"Moving better aligned" generally refers to the idea of improving one's movement patterns, posture, and overall alignment of the body. It involves optimizing the way we move, ensuring that our body is in proper balance and alignment during physical activities. When we move with better alignment, we can:

1. Enhance performance: Proper alignment allows for more efficient movement, which can improve athletic performance and physical abilities.
2. Prevent injuries: Correct alignment reduces stress on joints, muscles, and other body structures, reducing the risk of injury during movement and exercise.
3. Improve posture: Maintaining good alignment promotes better posture, which can alleviate muscular imbalances, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall body mechanics.
4. Increase body awareness: Moving with better alignment requires increased body awareness and mindfulness, helping us understand how our bodies move and enabling us to make necessary adjustments.

To achieve better alignment, individuals may engage in activities such as corrective exercises, postural training, stretching, strength training, and working with movement professionals such as physical therapists, chiropractors, or movement coaches. These practices can help identify and address any imbalances, weaknesses, or faulty movement patterns, ultimately leading to improved movement quality and overall well-being.

Moving better aligned with orthotics refers to using orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or insoles, to improve alignment and movement patterns. Align Orthotics™ are custom-made or pre-fabricated inserts that are placed inside the shoes to provide support, stability, and alignment to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. When using Align Orthotics™ to move better aligned, the primary goals are:

1. Correcting foot alignment: Align Orthotics™ can help address issues like overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or supination (insufficient inward rolling of the foot), providing proper alignment and stability to the feet.
2. Improving lower limb alignment: By supporting the arches, cushioning impact, and providing stability,Align Orthotics™ can help align the lower limbs, including the ankles, knees, and hips, during movement.
3. Enhancing biomechanics: Align Orthotics™ can optimize the biomechanical alignment and functioning of the feet and lower limbs, improving gait (walking) patterns and reducing stress on joints and muscles.
4. Alleviating discomfort: Align Orthotics™ can offer cushioning and shock absorption, which can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or other foot-related issues.

To move better aligned with Align Orthotics™, individuals typically consult with healthcare professionals, such as podiatrists or orthotists, who can assess their specific alignment and movement patterns. Based on the assessment, custom orthotics may be recommended to address any misalignments or imbalances. It is important to note that orthotics should be prescribed and fitted by professionals to ensure proper alignment and effectiveness.

Align Orthotics™ and functional movement can work together to improve body alignment in several ways:

1. Customized Support: Align Orthotics™, which act as custom-made shoe inserts, can provide individualized support to address specific alignment issues. By supporting the arches, stabilizing the feet, and promoting proper foot positioning, orthotics help establish a solid foundation for the body's alignment during movement.
2. Enhanced Proprioception: Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position, movements, and forces acting upon it. Functional movement exercises, which focus on integrating multiple muscle groups and improving body awareness, can enhance proprioceptive feedback. This increased awareness, combined with the support provided by Align Orthotics™, allows individuals to make conscious adjustments to their alignment and posture during movement.
3. Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Functional movement training often involves exercises that target imbalances between different muscle groups. By strengthening weaker muscles and stretching tight or overactive muscles, functional movement helps restore balance and alignment in the body. Align Orthotics™can complement this process by providing support and stability to assist in maintaining correct alignment during exercises.
4. Improved Movement Mechanics: Functional movement training emphasizes proper movement mechanics and technique. By focusing on fundamental movement patterns like squatting, lunging, and bending, individuals can learn to move with better alignment and biomechanics. The use of Align Orthotics™ can assist in reinforcing these correct movement patterns by providing stability, reducing compensation patterns, and encouraging proper joint alignment.
5. Injury Prevention: Both Align Orthotics™and functional movement training can help prevent injuries related to poor alignment. Align Orthotics™ provide support and alignment to reduce stress on joints, muscles, and ligaments, reducing the risk of overuse injuries. Functional movement training enhances overall body mechanics, ensuring that movement is distributed more evenly across the body, reducing the likelihood of strain or injury to specific areas.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of Align Orthotics™ and functional movement may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as chiropodists, athletic therapists, or kinesiologist or other movement specialists, can help determine the most appropriate approach for improving body alignment through the combination of Align Orthotics™ and functional movement.

Align Orthotics™ can be utilized in functional medicine as part of a holistic approach to address musculoskeletal issues and optimize movement patterns. Here are some ways Align Orthotics™ can be incorporated into functional medicine:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: In functional medicine, practitioners focus on identifying the root causes of health issues and understanding the interconnectedness of different body systems. When it comes to musculoskeletal conditions, including foot and lower limb problems, functional medicine practitioners may assess biomechanics, gait patterns, and alignment as part of the diagnostic process. Align Orthotics™can play a role in this assessment by providing information about foot posture, imbalances, and potential areas of concern.
2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Functional medicine aims to create personalized treatment plans that address the underlying causes of health problems. Align Orthotics™ can be included as part of these individualized plans when foot alignment and biomechanical issues are identified. Custom orthotics can be prescribed to address specific imbalances, support proper alignment, and enhance movement patterns.
3. Integration with Functional Movement: Functional medicine often incorporates movement-based therapies and exercises to improve overall health and function. Align Orthotics™ can be used in conjunction with functional movement training to optimize alignment, enhance movement mechanics, and support therapeutic exercises. By providing stability and support, Align Orthotics™can assist individuals in achieving better movement patterns and reducing compensations or dysfunctions.
4. Lifestyle Recommendations: Functional medicine emphasizes lifestyle modifications to support optimal health. Align Orthotics™can be recommended as part of these lifestyle interventions, particularly for individuals who spend a significant amount of time on their feet or engage in activities that may exacerbate alignment issues. Align Orthotics™ can help provide support and reduce stress on the feet and lower limbs, promoting better movement mechanics and reducing discomfort.
5. Collaborative Care: Functional medicine often involves a collaborative approach, with practitioners from different disciplines working together to address patient needs. In cases where foot and lower limb alignment issues are present, functional medicine practitioners may collaborate with podiatrists, orthotists, physical therapists, or movement specialists to integrate Align Orthotics™ effectively into the overall treatment plan.

It's important to note that the use of Align Orthotics™ in functional medicine should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's needs and goals. A multidisciplinary approach, involving professionals with expertise in functional medicine, musculoskeletal health, and Align Orthotics™, can ensure an integrative and holistic approach to care.

While as Canadians we have the benefit of OHIP for many basic medical services, insurance coverage is intended to help us with the rest. Investing in one's own health in a variety of ways, is an important and life-long pursuit, that the government can't fully take on for everyone. Align Clients who get the best results are proactive and health-minded.