Bracing
The Right Support Changes Everything.
Individually tailored bracing solutions — off-the-shelf or fully custom — designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and get you back to doing what you love.
No referral required.
OUR APPROACH
Your Body is Unique. Your Brace Should Be Too.
The human body is a biomechanical marvel — and sometimes, it just needs a little help. Whether you’re managing the effects of an injury, navigating a chronic condition, or recovering from surgery, the right brace can make a meaningful difference to your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
At PBO Group, our team of Certified Orthotists, Pedorthists, and Registered Technicians takes a thorough, individualized approach to every client. We don’t assume one solution fits all — we take the time to understand your body, your situation, and your goals before recommending a path forward.
For many common conditions, a well-fitted off-the-shelf brace provides exactly the support you need. For more complex cases, we design and manufacture custom braces from scratch at our own production facilities — built precisely to your body’s dimensions and your life’s demands.
1. Assessment
A thorough consultation with a Certified Orthotist or Pedorthist to understand your condition, your daily activities, and what you need from a brace.
2. Off-the-Shelf or Custom
We recommend the right approach for your situation — a well-fitted off-the-shelf solution, or a custom brace designed and fabricated in-house specifically for you.
3. Fitting & Follow-Up
We fit, refine, and adjust until you're comfortable and confident. Ongoing maintenance and replacements are part of the relationship.
bracing options
Off-the-Shelf and Custom Solutions
After your assessment we work together to determine the best solution to fit your needs, budget and lifestyle.
Off-the-Shelf Bracing
For conditions like sprains, strains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and ACL injuries, a properly fitted off-the-shelf brace is often the fastest and most cost-effective solution. Our Certified Orthotists can assess your needs, recommend the right product, and fit or modify it for you. We work with leading suppliers including DonJoy, Breg, Ossur, Ottobock, Bauerfeind, and Aircast.
Custom Bracing
When your condition requires a more precise solution, a custom brace is designed and fabricated specifically for your body. Custom sizing accounts for your exact dimensions, activity level, and clinical requirements — delivering a fit and level of function that off-the-shelf products simply can’t match. All custom braces are manufactured at PBO Group’s in-house production facilities.
WHO WE HELP
Conditions We Regularly Support
Bracing solutions at PBO Group address a wide range of conditions. If you’re living with any of the following — or something not on this list — we encourage you to book a free consultation.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
ACL Knee Injury
Hip Arthritis
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebral Palsy
ALS
Muscular Dystrophy
Scoliosis
Carpar Tunnel Syndrome
Tendonitis
Sprains & Strains
Foot Drop
Spinal Conditions
Not sure if bracing is right for your situation? There’s no cost to find out. Our initial consultations are always free.
FUNDING & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We'll Help You Understand Your Options.
The cost of bracing varies depending on the type of device and the complexity of your needs. For off-the-shelf solutions, we can give you a clearer picture at your initial assessment. For custom bracing, we’ll provide a full cost estimate once the design is complete — always before any work begins.
PBO Group actively helps clients identify and access available funding, including:
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Rotary Club
- Lions Club
- Ontario Works
- Most major private insurance plans
Not sure where to start? Our team will walk you through it — that’s part of what we do.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions About Bracing
Browse our list of frequently asked questions about bracing.
Getting Started
How can I know if a brace will actually help me?
It can be hard to know if a brace is the right solution for your unique situation until we know a little bit more about you. We offer free initial consultations, so there is no upfront cost to determine if a brace could help.
What conditions do you typically treat with a bracing solution?
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid)
- Balance and mobility issues
- Cancer
- Chromosomal Disorders
- Marfan syndrome
- Pain (chronic and acute)
- Spasticity (generalized)
- Trauma and traumatic brain injury
- Bursitis
- Carpal & cubital tunnel syndromes
- Nerve palsies
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Golfer’s & tennis elbow
- Ehlers-Danlos
- Spasticity
- Subluxation/Dislocation
- Swan neck, boutonniere, trigger finger
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Ankle and knee instability (including ligament injuries: ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
- Blount’s disease
- Clubfoot
- Hip dysplasia
- Drop foot
- Gait abnormalities (toe walking, in-toeing gait)
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- meniscus injury
- Leg length discrepancy / limb differences
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- ALS
- Muscular dystrophy
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth
- Polio
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Paraplegia
- Quadraplegia
- Cerebral vascular accident (Stroke)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoporosis
- Kyphosis
- Low back pain
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Wedge fractures,
- Pectus carinatum
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular atrophy
- Head drop
What types of braces do you provide?
We offer a wide range of both custom and off-the-shelf bracing options. These include, but are not limited to:
- cranial remolding or protective helmets
- braces for the upper and lower spine
- braces for the upper extremity including finger, wrist, elbow and shoulder
- braces for the lower extremity including ankle, knee, hip, foot orthoses or a combination thereof
How are custom braces different from pre-made or off-the-shelf braces I can order online or buy at the drugstore?
Custom braces are tailored to your specific needs, body type, and activity level in a way that off-the-shelf braces are not. Custom brace sizing can also be customized to your exact body dimensions. In some cases, an off-the-shelf or pre-made brace or splint is a great choice, often for conditions like strains, sprains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and ACL injury. Our Certified Orthotists can also recommend, fit, or modify off-the-shelf bracing.
How much will my brace cost?
The cost of bracing can vary widely. For off-the-shelf bracing solutions, we will be able to give you a better sense of potential costs at your initial assessment. For custom bracing, an estimate is provided once the design of the brace is complete. We will always provide these estimates so that you are aware well ahead of time what the costs will be.
How long does it take to get a custom brace?
The time it takes can vary depending on our ability to secure funding, procure the parts that might be needed and fabricate the device. Generally speaking, most patients can be fit within 1-4 weeks from their initial appointment.
Funding & Coverage
Will my brace be covered by OHIP / Assistive Devices Program?
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is the Ontario Ministry of Health payer for bracing devices and will contribute a portion of the cost but not the entire amount. PBO Group staff can provide advice on additional funding sources.
Are there organizations that provide financial support for people who need help paying for their brace?
Yes, you can find some information here and PBO Group staff can help you learn more about potential financial support for your prosthesis from a variety of funding sources.
Living with your brace
How long can I expect my brace to last?
While every brace is different, with proper maintenance, we generally see braces lasting at least two years and often longer.
How do I know when it’s time to adjust or replace my brace?
If you experience things like discomfort, skin irritation, mechanical failure or broken straps, please schedule an appointment for brace maintenance. In cases where the brace no longer fits, something cannot be repaired, or the cost to repair the brace exceeds the cost of replacement, replacement is recommended.
Does an ankle or foot brace limit my shoe choices?
While an ankle or foot brace can limit your shoe choices, there are a variety of great options that your specialist can recommend at local shoe providers.
Can I sleep with my brace on?
While there are some devices specifically designed for sleeping (e.g. scoliosis, carpal tunnel, range of motion stretching), in most cases, braces are removed for sleeping.
Can I shower with my brace on?
Some braces are made specifically to allow you to wear them in the shower. In some cases, a waterproof cast cover can be used to protect the device. Generally speaking, we recommend removing the brace and using a shower seat for stability.
How should I clean my brace?
A mild soap and water solution that you would use on your own body is the best approach for cleaning your brace. Do not use harsh chemicals like window cleaner, bleach wipes, etc., as they can cause skin irritation.
Is there a warranty on my brace?
Assuming normal usage, all custom-made devices are warrantied against defects for 6 months. Fit and function for these devices is warranted for three months after final fit, with the exception of cases of significant changes in weight.
Assuming normal usage, custom-made paediatric devices are warrantied against defects for two months. Fit and function for these devices is warranted for one month.
For soft supports, pre-made devices, shoes, costmetic elements and consumables, these are solely covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
To learn more about our warranties for PBO Group devices, click here.
Condition Specific
What is the difference between a SMO and an AFO?
An SMO (supra-malleolar orthosis) is designed to support the foot only and typically extends just over the ankle bones. An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is designed for greater support of the foot-ankle complex as well as sometimes the knee. It generally is larger and will extend to the height of the upper calf.
Can bracing help prevent the need for hip surgery or knee surgery for arthritis?
We have helped many clients with bracing to address arthritis of the knee and hip.
Read our blog posts about bracing to prevent hip surgery and bracing to prevent knee surgery to learn more.
What conditions can custom bracing help with?
PBO Group regularly supports clients with bracing solutions who are stroke survivors and/or living with conditions such as MS, CP, ALS, Arthritis, Muscular Dystrophy, Scoliosis, Osteoarthritis and more.
What are some of the bracing companies that you work with?
PBO Group works with a variety of excellent bracing suppliers, including Donjoy, Breg, Ossur, Ottobock, Bauerfeind, and Aircast.
AVAILABLE AT
Bracing Services Near You
Prosthetic services are offered at:
New clients are always welcome — no referral required.
