Bellingham Physical Therapy is now offering custom foot orthotics!

Thanks to evolving technology, we are now conveniently able to offer high quality custom foot orthotics right from our clinic. We are so excited to offer this service to our patients and our community!

What conditions can custom orthotics improve?

Custom orthotics can improve many conditions, including:

  • plantar fasciitis
  • foot or ankle pain
  • knee pain
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • toe pain
  • hallux rigidus
  • hammer toes
  • back pain
  • neuropathy
  • balance challenges.

They can also help enhance physical performance, and even improve the fit and comfort of footwear.

How do custom orthotics help?

Custom orthotics are created especially for you to conform to your unique foot shape and support your specific biomechanical needs. By supporting more optimal alignment and biomechanics, custom orthotics can not only reduce pain, but improve function, prevent injury and promote the development of better movement patterns, especially in combination with physical therapy.

How do I know if custom orthotics are right for me?

If you are a current patient, ask your PT. Your PT can help you determine if custom orthotics could help you achieve your physical therapy goals, or if they might help you in other ways.

If you are not currently a patient, call our office and schedule an appointment. If you are interested in orthotics without other physical therapy services, we have appointments available for an orthotics assessment. This appointment is primarily for those who have had orthotics before and need a new or another pair, those who have been recommended custom orthotics and need somewhere to get them, those who would like orthotics to enhance performance or footwear, or anyone curious about orthotics alone.

If you are experiencing pain, or any of the conditions mentioned above, call our office and schedule an initial evaluation. Your PT will evaluate you and your issues, and will provide a comprehensive physical therapy plan of care, including custom orthotics if they are appropriate for you.

What is included in the orthotics assessment?

An orthotics assessment is similar to a regular physical therapy evaluation, but primarily focused on determining your unique structures and biomechanics that need to be addressed by the orthotics. One or our skilled physical therapists will ask you questions about your issues and goals, scan your feet, observe and video your posture and gait. They may perform other assessments to help them determine what you need from your orthotics.

Do you make the orthotics in your clinic?

We partner with Stride Soles to offer the scanning and video technology to take your measurements. Your therapist will upload your scans and videos into Stride Soles’ secure portal and answer an extensive questionnaire based on their assessment and your needs and goals. Your orthotics are then designed by the podiatry team at Walther Podiatry Clinic and fabricated at PEDCAD Foot Technology.

How long will it take to get my orthotics?

Your orthotics will typically arrive at our clinic in 10 days.

What if my orthotics need to be adjusted?

Stride soles will adjust them as many times as necessary to get the right fit, as long as they are returned within 90 days of arrival to our clinic.

How long will my orthotics last?

Our orthotics are built with durable TPU bioplastic to maintain their structural integrity for 5-10 years. Stride Soles offers a 3-year structural warranty on the insole base.

Can my orthotics be tailored to fit specific activities or shoe types?

YES! Discuss this with your therapist to determine the best shoe type for you. Your orthotics can be designed for running shoes, soccer cleats, high heels, hiking boots, ski boots, cycling shoes…the list goes on and on. Our sports specific insoles are designed for comfort AND performance.

What is the top cover on the insole?

The standard top cover is black vegan leather with a 2mm foam layer. In certain circumstances, we recommend an insole WITHOUT any top cover, just the 3D printed TPU bioplastic. The uncovered insole provides more grip and proprioceptive feedback, making it perfect for both athletes (particularly those that require rapid changes in direction) as well as patients with neuropathy.

Are the orthotics rigid?

Our orthotics offer support, but are semi-flexible to facilitate more optimal functioning of your foot, and have layers of cushioning to enhance shock absorption and comfort.

Will insurance cover my orthotics assessment?

It depends. If you are receiving orthotics as a part of a broader physical therapy treatment plan, then your orthotics assessment will most likely be covered by your insurance, unless your plan specifically excludes the service. If your orthotics assessment is stand-alone, we cannot bill your insurance, but offer a reasonable cash rate.

Will my insurance cover the orthotics?

We cannot bill your insurance for orthotics themselves. We would be happy to provide a receipt which you can submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement. Your orthotics are also eligible for use of health savings account (HSA) or medical flexible spending account (FSA) funds.

What is the cost?

  • Orthotics Assessment: $150
  • Orthotics: $200
  • Orthotics Follow-up Visit: $50