Orthotics

Exceptional Support from Head to Toe

ChildServe’s Orthotics program specialists design, develop, create, and fit custom braces, or orthoses, to maximize physical function for children with a variety of conditions. Our pediatric experts work to increase the independence, mobility, and comfort of each child to help them live a great life. We support children from head to toe – from our cranial symmetry service to our custom foot orthotics.

Why choose ChildServe?

Pediatric Specialists

ChildServe’s certified orthotists specialize in pediatrics and partner with experts from multiple disciplines to provide children with the best care possible.

Technology

Our orthotics program incorporates top of the line equipment and technology to enable children and young adults to live their best life possible.

Who We Serve

ChildServe’s Orthotics program offers services to children and young adults (age infant – 30 years) who have special healthcare needs. Specific conditions we treat or support include but are not limited to the following:

Cerebral Palsy

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Muscular Dystrophy

Spina Bifida

Stroke

Plagiocephaly

Brachycephaly

Asymmetric Brachycephaly

Scaphocephaly

Our Approach

We Know Kids

Our entire organization is built around kids! ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide healthcare designed for the developmental needs of children and young adults. The certified Orthotics specialists at ChildServe have specialized knowledge and skills to help kids and young adults achieve their goals and maintain movement. Our facilities and equipment are designed to make kids comfortable, safe, and inspired.

We Care About Families

Our Orthotists train parents regarding their child’s condition, and teach them how to effectively manage equipment at home. ChildServe’s Orthotics program partners with families through every stage of the process: from meeting with families and providing evaluations, to making castings and fitting and adjusting braces as needed.

Expert Orthotic Support

ChildServe’s certified Orthotic specialists offer custom-made braces or orthoses to children with special healthcare needs to help them reach their best possible physical function. Our specialists support families through every stage of the orthotics process. They meet to assess the child’s needs and goals, take careful measurements and casts to ensure proper fit, build the device, fit it specifically to the child, and follow up to make sure the device functions well as the child grows. Our Orthotics program offers a wide variety of orthoses for upper and lower extremities, spine, cranial remolding orthoses, and dynamic movementDynamic movement braces are a non-rigid bracing system that may be a better fit for some children than a rigid brace.
orthoses.

Our Team of Specialists

ChildServe employs a variety of healthcare professionals, including but not limited to the following positions:

Certified Orthotic Specialist

Physical Therapists

Medical Social Workers

Kellan’s Story

“Irresistibly” cute is what many are saying about young Kellan. With his catchy slogan t-shirts and constant smirk, he doesn’t need any help stealing the show, yet his freshly painted helmet brings him some additional attention these days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive Orthotics services?

ChildServe’s Orthotics program offers services to children and young adults (age infant-30) who have special healthcare needs. Specific conditions we treat or support include but are not limited to the following:

Cerebral Palsy
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Muscular Dystrophy
Spina Bifida
Stroke
Plagiocephaly
Brachycephaly
Asymmetric Brachycephaly
Scaphocephaly

How are referrals made?

Referrals can be made by calling 515-727-0276.

How are services authorized and funded?

Orthotic services are funded through Iowa Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay. Services are authorized by the individual’s payor source and require a physician’s order, which ChildServe can help the family receive.

Where are services provided?

ChildServe – Ames
ChildServe – Johnston

We also offer on-site orthotic services for children enrolled in childcare at the ChildServe Childcare Center in Johnston or children receiving Day Health services at our Des Moines location.

When are services provided?

Hours of operation for Johnston and Ames:

Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

What kinds of Lower Extremity braces are offered?

ChildServe provides the following lower extremity braces:

Custom plastic and metal ankle-foot (AFO) and knee-ankle-foot (KAFO) systems
Custom hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFO)
Hip abduction orthoses (SWASH, Scottish-Rite Orthoses, Maple Leaf Orthoses)
Reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO)
Dynamic ankle foot orthoses (Cascade style)
Custom and prefabricated knee orthoses
Soft AFO night splints
Supramalleolar orthoses (SMO) (Surestep and Cascade styles)

What kinds of Upper Extremity braces are offered?

ChildServe’s Orthotics program provides the following upper extremity braces:

Custom and prefabricated elbow orthoses
Custom and prefabricated wrist hand orthoses (WHO)

What kinds of Spinal Orthoses are offered?

ChildServe’s Orthotics program provides the following spinal braces:

Rigid and soft
Custom and prefabricated cervical orthoses
Custom molded body jackets – thorocolumbar lumbar sacral orthoses (TLSO)
Neuromuscular control TLSO
Custom and prefabricated neoprene vests (Benik) and corsets
Dynamic Movement Orthosis (DMO)

What kinds of Foot Orthoses are offered?

ChildServe’s Orthotics program provides the following foot braces:

Custom longitudinal arch supports
Custom UCBL foot supports
Depth inlay and custom-fitted shoes
Custom-molded shoes
Modifications to shoes (heel/sole lifts)

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Ames

1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010
515-232-7220

ChildServe – Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
515-727-8750

If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please email communications@childserve.org. Be sure to include which location you are interested in so we can connect you with the right team member.

ChildServe - Johnston

ChildServe - Ames

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 4,600 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.