Limb loss is life-changing in many ways, including your participation in sports. But with the current state of prosthetic technology, there are prosthetics available for all sorts of sports, even some exclusively made for particular activities such as volleyball or long-distance running. Lower-limb prosthetics for sports are also designed to weather different elements, including rain, snow, and sweat. They are also meant to take a beating, with some especially designed for frequent use during high impact sports. Prosthetic Knees Prosthetic knees restore lower-limb function and enhance mobility ..read more

If your child has scoliosis, it’s important to treat it early in their development to ensure the proper growth and alignment of their spine. If not, they run the risk of visible deformity, discomfort, pain, lung or heart issues, and damage to joints throughout their spine.  Using a custom back brace, TLSO, is an effective way of preventing such symptoms of untreated scoliosis by correcting the spine as your child grows. Here are some answers to common questions regarding back braces for children’s development. Do back braces work for scoliosis? Treating children with scoliosis is case-by ..read more

Recreational sports are a delightful way to boost overall health and wellbeing, yet an amputation can present serious obstacles to engaging in such activities. However, at Pongratz, we team up with the leading-edge prosthetic designers so we can stay at the forefront of technology that gives amputees the ability to explore additional recreational resources. There are a variety of prosthetic options depending on your particular amputation and your preferred activities. After amputation surgery, the body initially weakens, but with time and proper care, you’ll be able to resume daily activities ..read more

A wide range of common childhood diagnoses can be supported with the use of orthotics. Pongratz can create personalized solutions for your child, and these tailored approaches positively impact children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, scoliosis, and more. Here are some examples of conditions supported by Pongratz’s Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics. Cerebral Palsy: Enhanced Mobility and Assistance in Movement: Orthotic devices such as Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) can assist in correcting muscle imbalances and supporting proper joint alignment, enabling better control of movem ..read more

Parenthood is an incredible adventure filled with love, joy, challenges, and an unwavering dedication to fostering your child’s fullest potential.  At Pongratz, we understand and empathize with the challenges of diverse medical conditions, and we are dedicated to exploring with you how prosthetics and orthotics can assist and empower your child. Benefits of Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics Enhanced Mobility and Independence When children deal with conditions that affect their mobility, prosthetics and orthotics play a pivotal role in promoting their independence.  Prosthetic limbs ..read more

A wide range of common childhood diagnoses can be supported with the use of orthotics. Pongratz can create personalized solutions for your child, and these tailored approaches positively impact children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, scoliosis, and more. Here are some examples of conditions supported by Pongratz’s Pediatric Orthotics and Prosthetics. Cerebral Palsy: Enhanced Mobility and Assistance in Movement: Orthotic devices such as Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) can assist in correcting muscle imbalances and supporting proper joint alignment, enabling better control of movem ..read more

You’re ready to go—to take steps toward a healthier, more active lifestyle—but your body hasn’t quite caught up with you yet. A common hurdle many people face is knee pain and discomfort due to excess weight. Knee orthoses can help you move forward on your journey to an active lifestyle. Below are the different types of knee-related orthoses designed to assist those who are overweight, plus some helpful tips for both newcomers and those with prior orthotic experience. Types of Knee-Related Orthoses Knee Braces Prophylactic Knee Braces: Designed to prevent knee injuries and often used by athle ..read more

Is your weight loss journey slowing down because of leg or foot pain?  Are you worried your weight may make an active lifestyle too difficult?  If so, you’re not alone. Many who are overweight face these obstacles when trying to reclaim a physically active life. The good news is that foot orthotics can be a valuable ally in your weight loss journey, helping reduce strain on your joints and improve your overall comfort while you exercise. Understanding the Impact of Excess Weight Before diving into foot orthotics, it’s important to understand the impact of excess weight on your legs a ..read more

Losing a limb is life-changing, and presents no shortage of both physical and emotional challenges. Fortunately, advancements in prosthetics and rehabilitation continue to pave the way for greater hope and resilience for amputees working to restore maximal mobility in their day-to-day lives. Both gait training and emotional support are indispensable during rehabilitation for new prosthesis users. The Path to Recovery The highest quality recovery involves both the mind and the body. Modern prosthetics offer more than simply a restoration of lost physical functions—they also help recover one’s s ..read more

As we grow older, our bodies change—sometimes in significant ways. For amputees, this can present further health challenges to consider when acquiring and using prosthetics.  Advancements in prosthetic technology offer the ability to lead active, fulfilling lives, and seniors are no exception. In this article, we’ll explore important considerations for prosthetics in older amputees, like bone health, joint mobility, and the key to aging well: staying active. 1. Strong Bones are Essential One vital factor to think about when choosing a prosthesis is bone density. As we age, our bones natur ..read more