Custom orthoses and orthopedic devices
At Pouliot Orthopédique, an orthosis is first and foremost a matter of biomechanics. Since 1971, our Quebec City laboratory has built foot orthotics, knee braces and devices for the upper and lower limbs, along with orthopedic and fully custom footwear. Every device follows from an in-clinic assessment and a fabrication process we control from start to finish, in our own workshops.
What does an orthosis actually do?
Support a fragile joint, straighten a faulty alignment, redistribute pressure, compensate for muscle weakness: that is an orthosis's job. It is a medical device that works on a limb that is present — which is what sets it apart from a prosthesis, which replaces a missing one. Well designed and worn regularly, an orthosis slows the progression of a deformity, eases pain and restores ease in everyday movement.
The orthosis family is a broad one. At the foot, a plantar orthotic slips into the shoe and corrects weight-bearing with every step. At the knee, a brace steadies a joint worn by osteoarthritis or weakened by a ligament injury. There are also tibial and ankle orthoses, plus wrist, elbow and hand devices. Some come prefabricated; others are far better molded to measure, depending on how severe the condition is and how the device will be used.
Our method hasn't changed since Carol Pouliot: the orthotist starts with an in-clinic biomechanical assessment, the laboratory then builds the device, and adjustments continue until comfort is right. With a medical prescription, most orthoses qualify for reimbursement from the CNESST, the SAAQ or a private insurance plan.
Our Evaluation Approach
No device leaves our laboratory before an orthotist has understood the problem. That is exactly what the initial consultation is for: defining your condition, tracing the mechanical origin of the pain and choosing a treatment that actually addresses it.
The assessment combines posture observation, gait study, impressions and a review of your health history. It is this complete picture — not a generic template — that guides the design of your device.
Your doctor, physiotherapist or any other professional involved in your file stays in the loop: we coordinate our recommendations with theirs so the treatment holds together as a whole.
Our orthotists are members of the Ordre des technologues professionnels du Québec (OTPQ) and the Association des Orthésistes-Prothésistes du Québec (AOPQ) — a double guarantee of professional rigour.
Explore our solutions
Which orthosis for which problem?
Every pain has its mechanics — and every mechanical fault has its fix. A few pointers to orient you:
Painful heels, fallen arches or a tender forefoot
A foot orthotic molded to your foot corrects weight-bearing and quiets plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or metatarsalgia. Foot Orthotics →
A knee worn by arthritis or weakened by injury
A knee brace offloads the painful compartment and safeguards the ligaments during effort. Knee Braces →
Frequent sprains, an unstable ankle or a foot that catches the ground
A tibial or ankle orthosis supports walking and keeps rehabilitation on track. Lower Limb Orthotics →
A sore wrist: carpal tunnel, tendonitis, sprain
An upper-limb orthosis rests and protects the joint while it heals. Upper Limb Orthotics →
Swelling, heavy legs at day's end, varicose veins
Properly fitted compression stockings restart venous return and ease the discomfort. Compression Garments →
Not sure where the pain comes from?
An in-clinic biomechanical assessment traces the cause before any device is proposed. Biomechanical Analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of orthoses do you make in Quebec City?
Our Sainte-Foy laboratory produces custom foot orthotics, knee braces, upper and lower limb orthoses and fully custom footwear; we also fit orthopedic shoes and compression garments.
Orthosis or prosthesis — what's the difference?
A prosthesis replaces a limb that is no longer there; an orthosis works with the limb in place to support, correct or stabilize it. Everything we build at Pouliot Orthopédique is an orthosis.
Why choose custom over prefabricated?
Prefabricated devices do the job for a passing need or a mild condition. Once pain becomes chronic, a deformity progresses or the device must be worn daily, custom molding — preceded by a biomechanical assessment — delivers a correction generic products cannot reach.
What does a custom orthosis cost?
It depends on the type of device and the materials required. After the assessment you leave with a detailed quote, no strings attached. The CNESST, the SAAQ and most private insurers reimburse these devices, and we handle the paperwork.
Is a prescription required to consult?
No — the initial assessment with an orthotist can be done without one. A prescription only becomes necessary for reimbursement from the CNESST, the SAAQ, Veterans Affairs Canada or your insurer.
How long does fabrication take?
Allow 2 to 3 weeks for foot orthotics and 2 to 4 weeks for a custom knee brace; fully custom shoes take 6 to 8 weeks. Prefabricated models are often available on the spot.
Do you treat children as well?
Yes. Growth changes a child's needs quickly: our orthotists follow young patients closely and adjust or replace devices as they develop.
Learn about reimbursements
Most of our solutions are covered by RAMQ, CNESST, SAAQ, and private insurance. Visit our dedicated page to learn about your options.
View reimbursement optionsBook an appointment with an orthotist
Our orthotists will evaluate your condition and recommend the best solution for your needs.
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