Appointments.
Before we can book your appointments, we need to make sure that funding is available.
Our friendly admin team will ask you to fill out a NDIS Service Agreement prior to booking your appointments. We use this document to confirm your funding and to ensure your supports are invoiced correctly.
Before we can book your appointments, we need to make sure that funding is available.
Our friendly admin team will ask you to fill out a NDIS Service Agreement prior to booking your appointments. We use this document to confirm your funding and to ensure your supports are invoiced correctly.
Each orthosis requires three appointments
Each orthosis requires three appointments:
Initial.
Our first appointment is where we can get to know you and your goals, answer your questions, and discuss your prescription.
We'll take a scan or plaster cast of your leg so we can create a perfect set of custom-fit orthoses for you!
Please bring to your appointment:
Your current orthoses
Shorts or pants that can come easily above your knees
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A 3D hand-held scanner is used to scan your leg. This can be a great option if you have sensitivity issues.
Scanning requires that you can hold your leg in place and stay still.
Creating a digital model means we can quickly remake your AFO if needed and also see how your leg changes as you grow.
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Taking a plaster cast:
A plastic strip is held on the leg with a stocking or gladwrap. Plaster bandage or cast tape is then wrapped around the leg.
The leg is held in a good position while the plaster dries—this takes about 4 minutes.
The cast is then split down the front and removed.
Browse through our amazing selection of artwork options!
Initial.
Our first appointment is where we can get to know you and your goals, answer your questions, and discuss your prescription including footwear options.
We'll take a scan or plaster cast of your leg so we can create a perfect set of custom-fit orthoses for you!
Please bring to your appointment:
Your current orthoses
Shorts or pants that can come easily above your knees
-
A 3D scanner is used to scan your leg or cast onto the computer. This is a great option if you have sensitivity issues.
Once the model of the leg is on the computer, we can design the AFO to best suit your needs.
Sometimes we will 3D print your AFO from the computer.
Using the computer means we can quickly remake your AFO if needed and also see how your leg changes as you grow.
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Taking a plaster cast:
A plastic strip is held on the leg with a stocking or gladwrap. Plaster bandage or cast tape is then wrapped around the leg.
The leg is held in a good position while the plaster dries—it takes about 4 minutes to dry.
The cast is then split down the front and removed.
Browse through our amazing selection of artwork options!
After your initial appointment.
Each orthosis is custom 3D modelled to your particular prescription, taking into account the specific needs of your feet and ankles. Areas of flexibility or stiffness are identified, and pockets of cushioning are added to areas where movement is most likely to cause pain or discomfort. Functional trim lines are also designed into each orthosis, based on what movements and activities you will be doing in them.
The models are then sent for manufacture where the orthoses are either moulded to a plaster cast, or 3D printed.
We then add the final touches, such as straps and padding, and get everything ready for your fitting appointment! This process takes around 3 weeks.
After your initial appointment.
Each orthosis is custom 3D modelled to your particular prescription, taking into account the specific needs of your feet and ankles. Areas of flexibility or stiffness are identified, and pockets of cushioning are added to areas where movement is most likely to cause pain or discomfort. Functional trim lines are also designed into each orthosis, based on what movements and activities you will be doing in them.
The models are then sent for manufacture where the orthoses are either moulded to a plaster cast, or 3D printed.
We then add the final touches, such as straps and padding, and get everything ready for your fitting appointment! This process takes around 3 weeks.
Review.
We will review your orthoses 2 weeks after fitting to check that everything is going well. We want to make sure your new orthoses are comfortable and meeting your needs for all of your adventures.
We're experts in fine-tuning, so we'll make any adjustments needed to get that perfect fit and alignment. Your feedback is important to us, if you have any concerns just let us know, and we'll make it right.
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As your child grows that AFO will need to be replaced. Indications that the AFO needs replacing include: the toes getting longer than the footplate and pressure areas developing around the ankle and foot (a sign that the AFO is too tight). Our friendly admin team will be happy to assist you in booking in for your next set of orthoses.
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We've got you covered with our custom-made orthoses for a full 90 days from your initial fitting appointment. If you need to reschedule your fitting for any reason – our guarantee still sticks with the original fitting date and not the rescheduled one.
Fitting.
At your fitting appointment, our orthotists will take care of all the little details, like finishing off and adjusting trimlines to match your unique shape and make sure everything fits snugly and comfortably. The orthotist will get you to wear and trial the AFOs to see if any problem spots appear and will adjust them if necessary.
We'll chat about how to break them in gently, like getting to know new friends and discuss appropriate shoes and care. All of this fine tuning can take some time, so this appointment tends to be the longest. Anticipate up to 1 hour.
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The amount of time that an AFO needs to be worn will vary between people and will be determined in consultation with your physiotherapist and doctor.
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AFOs need to be worn over long socks or tights that are:
Long enough to extend past the top of the AFO
Not too thick and don’t have a raised pattern that may mark the skin
Made of a natural fibre (cotton or wool) to help air circulation around the leg.
You can purchase AFO socks direct from Nova or through our supplier:
Massons
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Your AFO should always be worn over a socks or tights.
When putting the AFO on you need to make sure that the heel is right down in the base of the AFO. Once in the correct position you need to do the ankle strap up firmly to make sure that the heel does not lift.
You then do up the calf strap and put on shoes.
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AFO's must always be worn with shoes, unless you're directed otherwise. The AFO works in conjunction with your footwear. For example, the shape of your sole, how soft or hard it is and how high it is will influence the way you walk in your AFO's. Our clinicians will always run through the most suitable shoes for you and give you the option of sourcing these yourself or accessing some of the AFO accommodative shoes we stock (if appropriate). These 'AFO shoes' have extra depth and width was well as easy access.
Most shoes have an innersole that can be removed to make more room for the AFO. This is sometimes glued in and requires a decent tug to get out. Shoes that come in different widths are also helpful when trying to find the right one.
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AFOs sit against the skin and care needs to be taken that they don’t cause any pressure areas.
New wearers should wear the AFO for 1 hr initially. After this time you should take the AFO off and carefully check the skin for any pressure areas or red marks left by the AFO.
You should increase how long the AFO is worn by 1 hour each time and check the skin afterwards.
Children should not wear new AFOs to school until they been worn at home for 6 hours without any issues.
Any red areas or marks should disappear within 20minutes like a sock mark would. If the marks stay longer than this, then you need to contact us to organise a review to fix the problem.
Download our wearing-in instructions:
Fitting.
At your fitting appointment, our orthotists will take care of all the little details, like finishing off and adjusting trimlines to match your unique shape and make sure everything fits snugly and comfortably. The orthotist will get you to wear and trial the AFOs to see if any problem spots appear and will adjust them if necessary.
We'll chat about how to break them in gently, like getting to know new friends and discuss appropriate shoes and care. All of this fine tuning can take some time, so this appointment tends to be the longest. Anticipate up to 1 hour.
-
The amount of time that an AFO needs to be worn will vary between people and will be determined in consultation with your physiotherapist and doctor.
-
AFOs need to be worn over long socks or tights that are:
Long enough to extend past the top of the AFO
Not too thick and don’t have a raised pattern that may mark the skin
Made of a natural fibre (cotton or wool) to help air circulation around the leg.
You can purchase AFO socks direct from Nova or through our supplier:
Massons
-
Your AFO should always be worn over a socks or tights.
When putting the AFO on you need to make sure that the heel is right down in the base of the AFO. Once in the correct position you need to do the ankle strap up firmly to make sure that the heel does not lift.
You then do up the calf strap and put on shoes.
-
The AFO gives lots of stability to the foot and ankle. Shoes are really only required to make the AFO nonslip in most circumstances. Shoes that have a good, rounded forefoot and an opening that extends to the forefoot are usually the easiest to get on.
Most shoes have an innersole that can be removed to make more room for the AFO. This is sometimes glued in and requires a decent tug to get out. If the AFOs are used for walking it is sometimes best to use shoes that have a slight heel rather than a completely flat sole. Your orthotist will discuss this if it is important for you.
‘AFO shoes’ that have extra depth and durable soles are available from Nova Orthotics if you are finding shoes difficult to source.
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AFOs sit against the skin and care needs to be taken that they don’t cause any pressure areas.
New wearers should wear the AFO for 1 hr initially. After this time you should take the AFO off and carefully check the skin for any pressure areas or red marks left by the AFO.
You should increase how long the AFO is worn by 1 hour each time and check the skin afterwards.
Children should not wear new AFOs to school until they been worn at home for 6 hours without any issues.
Any red areas or marks should disappear within 20minutes like a sock mark would. If the marks stay longer than this, then you need to contact us to organise a review to fix the problem.
Download our wearing-in instructions:
Review.
We will review your orthoses 2 weeks after fitting to check that everything is going well. We want to make sure your new orthoses are comfortable and meeting your needs for all of your adventures.
We're experts in fine-tuning, so we'll make any adjustments needed to get that perfect fit and alignment. Your feedback is important to us, if you have any concerns just let us know, and we'll make it right.
We're excited to see you and make sure your orthoses are working their magic.
-
As your child grows that AFO will need to be replaced. Indications that the AFO needs replacing include: the toes getting longer than the footplate and pressure areas developing around the ankle and foot (a sign that the AFO is too tight). Our friendly admin team will be happy to assist you in booking in for your next set of orthoses.
-
We've got you covered with our custom-made orthoses for a full 90 days from your initial fitting appointment. If you need to reschedule your fitting for any reason – our guarantee still sticks with the original fitting date and not the rescheduled one.
Need an appointment?
Need an appointment?
Other appointments
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Our foot orthotic appointments are a breeze, just like our AFO appointments. We'll be meeting you three times:
Impressions: First up, we'll create a mould of your foot, which we'll then scan, tweak to perfection, and send off for fabrication.
Fitting: Around three weeks later, it's time to get your hands (or rather, feet) on those brand-new orthotics. We'll make sure they fit like a glove and, of course, make any adjustments needed to ensure they're super comfy to walk in.
Review: If everything's smooth sailing, you won't need to see us until it's time for new orthotics. But just to keep things in check, we'll schedule a review appointment in case any questions or concerns pop up. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, and we're here for you every step of the way!
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New to custom orthoses? No worries – our assessment appointments are here to make things easy for you! Our orthotist will take a close look at your walking style, needs, and have a chat about your prescription.
Plus, we'll sort you out with a quote that you can send over to the NDIA if you're looking to get orthoses funding in your plan.
There is a charge of $193.50 to CB Daily for this appointment.
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We've got your back for three months from your fitting appointment with our custom orthoses. If any issues arise after that, don't worry – we've got a plan! Just book in for a review appointment, and we'll sort things out together.
There is a charge of $193.50 to CB Daily for this appointment.
If you need minor repairs, like replacing old straps, you can simply drop off your orthoses and our skilled technician will work their magic while you wait. Easy peasy! We're here to keep you moving smoothly.
Strap replacements start at $50. Please contact us prior to coming in.
FAQs
Do you see adult clients?
Nova Orthotics is a pediatric clinic and only sees clients from 0-18 years.
Can I request a specific orthotist?
We will do our best to accommodate your preferences keeping in mind your child’s complexity, but this may impact your wait-time for an appointment.
What are your wait times?
We are frequently booked up 6-8 weeks in advance. Please keep this in mind if your child is close to outgrowing their orthosis.
Do I need to book an appointment for a minor repair?
If the repair is only minor i.e., replacing a strap, regluing silicon dots or lining then an appointment is not needed. Please call the clinic to discuss.
Can I cancel our review appointment?
If everything is going well with your child’s orthosis, and the review appointment is not needed we are happy for you to cancel. Please call or email our admin team.
Does my child need a referral?
It is preferable to have a referral for all new clients. However, if you are unable to obtain one then we may see your child for assessment appointment to determine prescription.