Complete Guide to Traveling with Orthosis Devices. Part 1

Adapting to life while wearing a prosthetic, brace, or any limb orthosis device can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But one that you’ve conquered like a warrior. So well that you’re now ready to break out of the rut and treat yourself to some vacation days at a beautiful destination.

Be it the wedding of a loved one, or just some days under the sun.

You might be wondering how to make traveling as seamless as possible with your orthosis apparatus. What destinations might be ideal, and what modes of transportation suit you best.

Just like travel options, orthosis gear, too, has undergone massive evolution when it comes to diversity of choices. Most gear these days is lighter, stronger, and more durable than ever. And so is the range of activities it makes possible for you when choosing a vacation spot to de-stress.

Your life goals and plans shouldn’t have to be altered just because you require the help of an orthosis device in your daily routine. 

Amputees and those who require the added support of prosthetic and orthosis equipment because of medical conditions can still enjoy their vacations. With some creativity on your part and lots of thorough planning and research, you can still tick off that dream destination from your bucket list this summer.

Planning an Orthosis-Friendly Trip

Orthosis equipment should never be a hindrance in the way of your achieving all you envision for your life. Instead, view it as the supporting crew that makes any successful performance possible. 

The more you invest your time in the initial planning stages, the better your chances of enjoying a truly relaxing trip connecting with nature. Rather than worrying about how your liner sleeve will react to sweat and the tropical sun.

This is the internet era, meaning most information is readily available to you from the comfort of your home. 

The trick here is knowing what to plan for and how to adapt the information you fit your specific situation.

An essential part of enjoying a successful trip is having your orthosis gear in optimal condition throughout your time away. Always take a proactive approach towards challenges you might face while traveling.

Will your orthosis device fit you after five hours of air travel? Will the hotel you’ve booked be able to provide suitable travel options to explore the city? Will you be able to buy the special detergent you use to clean your orthosis equipment at the destination you have in mind?

These are the questions you should be asking yourself and planning for. Knowing the risks can help you adopt a proactive approach to preparing for them.

Weeks before your trip, start jotting down all the supplies and gear you use on a daily or weekly bases to care for your orthosis. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook essential items we regularly use in our routine because they become second nature to us.

Pre-checking Your Orthosis Equipment

Think of your orthosis devices as an extension of your body and plan accordingly.

A significant precautionary step you should take at least a week before your departure day is giving all your orthosis equipment a thorough check. 

Methodically checking your gear might save you from the hassle of tracking down compatible equipment in a foreign destination, should something break or need replacing.

• Start with a thorough visual inspection.
• Notice if any cracks are forming or any unusual sounds coming from any of the moving joints.
• Move all joints, pull on your liner, and shrinker sock seams.
• Check screws to see if any are loose or crooked.
• Keep in mind the activities you plan on engaging in during your trip.
• Note down any questions you might have and research each.
  
  

Booking an appointment with your prosthetist is also a great idea. They can review your equipment before traveling, recommend which spares to pack with you, and answer your questions. 

Make sure to discuss the destination you plan to travel to and the expected weather conditions there. Another critical point to discuss is how your gear might react to higher activity levels during vacation. They might also be able to identify any blind spots you might have overlooked during your research and planning.

Packing Your Orthosis Equipment

This might seem like an obvious tip: it’s crucial to pack any spare orthosis parts or gear you might require for the duration you plan to stay away. Just like you pack sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and clothing.

It helps to remember that within the USA and in most of Europe, prosthetic and orthosis gear can be carried without paying excess baggage charges. Some airlines limit this rule to bags and suitcases that exclusively carry orthosis equipment.
 
So, pack all gear in a separate checked luggage bag to be on the safe side. Always check all packing guidelines and regulations regarding carry-on equipment beforehand. 

That doesn’t mean you must pack spares for every piece of your orthosis equipment. Just the ones you feel you might need during your time away.

Here is a handy checklist of supplies you might need:
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• Shrinkers
• Extra liner
• Extra screws
• Prosthetic socks
• Donning sleeves
• Extra sealing sleeve
• Detergent to wash sleeves and liners
• Moisturizer if traveling to dryer climates
• Soap for keeping your residual limb clean
• A small screwdriver kit appropriate for your gear
  
  

Another helpful packing tip is to pack softer items in between harder gear. Shrinkers, socks, donning sleeves, and liners can be stuffed in-between your orthosis gear to avoid them banging around in the bags. That way, you maximize the use of space while minimizing potential damage to your orthosis gear from rough handling.

Ready for a Great Trip?

Align Clinic is committed to restoring normalcy to your life with orthosis and prosthesis. Traveling with an orthosis gear is a challenge that gets easier when you practice due diligence during all stages. Planning and research are the pre-conditions for enjoying a great vacation. 

For a comfortable traveling experience, read part two of this article, where we discuss how to choose your destination, what to look for when choosing accommodations, and tips for getting through security with your orthosis equipment. 
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Book an appointment today with one of our orthosis experts to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. ​