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The Align Clinic Blog
​ Your Home For Orthotic and Prosthetic Knowledge

Complete Guide to Traveling with Orthosis Devices. Part 1

7/6/2022

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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:
​
  • 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. 
​

Book an appointment today with one of our orthosis experts to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. ​
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San Mateo, California
700 S Claremont St
Suite #105
San Mateo, CA 94402 
Hours: 8:30-5:30 M-F
​Phone: (650) 375-2231
Fax: (650) 627-4632
Green Bay, Wisconsin
445 Cardinal Lane
Suite #110
Green Bay, WI 54313
Hours: 8:30-5:30 M-F
Phone: (920) 940-5277
Fax: (844) 308-8462


Houston, Texas
1001 Medical Plaza Drive,
​Suite #130
The Woodlands, TX  77380
Hours: 8:30-5:30 M-F
​Phone: (346) 770-2970
Fax: (281) 419-1615
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida Medical Center - North
4900 W. Oakland Park Blvd,
Suite #105
​Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313
attention only by appointment
Phone:
(920) 940-5277
Fax: (844) 308-8462
Photos used under Creative Commons from shixart1985, wuestenigel
  • Home
  • Locations
    • AC San Mateo, CA >
      • Inside AC SM
      • Our Practitioners >
        • Grant Wood
        • Steve Baum
        • Miguel Bustamante
      • Advanced Technology
      • Stanford Children's Health Partnership
      • Local Hotels
      • Contact Us
      • Team Members
    • AC Green Bay, WI >
      • Inside Wisconsin
      • Patient Testimonials
      • Contact Us
      • Emery Maloney
    • AC The Woodlands, TX
    • AC Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • The WCR Brace
    • Case Presentations >
      • Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
      • Switching to a WCR Brace
      • Adult Scoliosis Bracing
      • Neuromuscular Scoliosis
      • Treating Upper Thoracic Curves
    • Brace Articles
    • Patient Testimonials >
      • Grant's Testimonials
      • Paul's Testimonials
    • WCR Partner Testimonials
    • Grant's MS Thesis
    • Our Patients
    • Patients and Sports
    • Patients and Hobbies
    • Brace colors
    • Scoliosis Fashion
  • Patient Resources
    • WCR Brace Clinics >
      • USA Clinics
      • China Clinics
      • Canada Clinics
      • Australia Clinics
      • WCR Brace Clinic Finder
    • WCR Certified Practitioners
    • Professional Contacts & References
    • Forms & Insurance
    • Clinical Photos and X-rays
    • Scoliosis Rehab PT, CA
    • Blog
  • Events
    • Brace Clinic Calendar
    • Sosort 2022 - San Sebastian, Spain
    • Past Events >
      • Advancements in Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis 2018 >
        • Award for Advancements in the Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis
      • Past USA WCR Clinics and Conferences
      • Advancements in Conservative Treatment Of Scoliosis 2017
      • Shanghai Clinic
      • AAOP Meetings
      • BSPTS Schroth PT Training
    • Past SOSORT Conferences >
      • sosort2019 San Francisco - CA
      • SOSORT2018 Dubrovnik/Croatia
      • SOSORT2017 Lyon/France
      • SOSORT2016 Canada
    • Northeast Region Re-Align Clinic
  • Services
    • Scoliosis & Spine Online Learning
    • Prosthetics
    • Orthotics >
      • Pediatric Orthotics
      • Cranial Remolding Band
  • Hope's Embrace® Undershirts
  • Wall Grids
  • WCR Brace Fitting Evaluation
  • For PTs/Orthotists
  • WCR Measurement Order Form
  • Masterclass Conferences
  • Careers