I’ve worked in the NHS and I know it is excellent at what it does, but its top down approach to patient care means it cannot possibly fulfil the needs of every individual it deals with.
And the word ‘individual’ is absolutely key here. For certain people in certain circumstances, the convenience, personal service and access to more specialised and tailored solutions is worth every penny spent at a private orthotic clinic.
Why should I pay for private orthotics when I can get it free on the NHS?
Here are 10 reasons to visit a private orthotist:
1. Waiting times. NHS waiting times for an Orthotist can be several months, and then you have to wait again to have your orthosis fitted. With a private Orthotist you can be seen very quickly allowing you to get back to your favourite sporting activity, get fit for an active holiday or just get back to daily living.
2. You simply cannot get what you need on the NHS. Unfortunately there is a postcode lottery when it comes to NHS orthotics and in some areas access to anything even remotely bespoke is not available. Certain treatments such as Lycra splinting and helmets for plagiocephaly are not funded by the NHS.
3. Latest technology. Private orthotic clinics are generally right up to the minute in terms of technology available to assist with your diagnosis and/or treatment. Technology such as advanced gait analysis and shockwave therapy are usually not available in the NHS. Orthoses supplied by the NHS tend to be functional but bulky and cumbersome. A private clinic can offer lightweight, streamlined and discreet orthoses which still provide the control and support required. With the advancement of 3D printing technology, extremely accurate orthoses can be produced in ways never thought possible before.
4. High impact sports. Physically demanding sports such as football, running, skiing and ice skating place extreme forces throughout the body. Complex and specially designed orthoses may be required to prevent injury from the increased risk in day to day training, but also to protect if there is an existing weakness.
5. Your current orthosis doesn’t fit well. Financial and time restraints in the NHS can sometimes mean the accuracy of the fit of your orthosis is not perfect which can lead to discomfort. A private Orthotist has all the tools at hand to ensure your orthosis fits and functions exactly as it should.
6. You have a complex injury or condition. Sometimes the appointment times in the NHS are not adequate enough to fully assess your needs. In a private clinic your clinician will have the time to fully discuss, assess and understand all aspects of your condition to enable them to provide complex and/or multiple orthoses if required. NHS funding is not often available for such a service.
7. Your current orthosis is not providing enough support. NHS orthotic clinics are sometimes constrained to off-the-shelf orthoses or to those provided by one company with whom they have a special deal. A private Orthotist will carry out a detailed biomechanical assessment and then provide the absolute best course of treatment with the right level of support.
8. Your current orthosis is uncomfortable. Orthotics is not a one-size-fits-all industry. What suits one person may not suit another. A private Orthotist will be able to strike the perfect balance between comfort and function with a bespoke treatment plan.
9. You want to overcome your injury for good. Standard-issue orthoses are sometimes used to just treat the symptoms of your injury. A reputable private orthotic clinic will have access to up-to-date technological advances meaning many people can return to a level of physical activity close to their original one and can maximise their chance of a full recovery.
10. You desire a more personal service with excellent after-care support. Due to restraints in the NHS you may not be offered any kind of follow-up after receiving your orthoses and many health service practitioners no longer have the time or resources to provide patients with adequate up-to-date advice. When you visit a private clinic you can be assured that your treatment will be supported by the very latest products and research and you can enjoy a higher standard of service and aftercare.
The Lakes Orthotics was established in 2015 to provide highly specialist care in a vey personal, patient-centred approach.
Please feel free to book an appointment on 01777 818239 or browse our website to discover more about the services we offer.
