Meet the provider: DM Orthotics

Chloe Sharland

Unlike traditional, rigid orthoses, DMO’s (Dynamic Movement Orthoses) use dynamic elastomeric fabric, similar to Lycra. The products are made using strategically placed panels which apply forces to the patient’s body to improve proprioception and biomechanical alignment, or posture.

Managing Director Martin Matthews continues: “The advantage of the materials, as well as being comfortable to wear, is they also allow range of movement for the patient, encouraging muscle usage and function. All these properties work towards our goal – to improve function and independence for the user.”

DM Orthotics has its own specialist clinical team comprising of; orthotists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, located throughout the UK, who are able to provide consultations, assessments and training.

General Manager Dan Severn comments: “We have an excellent wealth of knowledge and experience within our clinical team. Each member has a broad understanding of a wide range of neurological conditions and each has their own specialism, whether it is in paediatrics, adults, scoliosis, stroke or Functional Electrical Stimulation. We also hold monthly clinics in 6 regions across the UK, where people can make an appointment to see one of the team about their condition and the possibility of using a DMO to manage it.”

Each DMO is custom made to suit the patient’s needs and offer a perfect tailored fit. The company has its own manufacturing and design centre at their headquarters in Redruth, Cornwall. Modern CADCAM design is incorporated with traditional tailoring methods with a huge emphasis on quality output.

Pattern Designer Anna Scott says: “A great amount of attention to detail goes into every DMO we make and each one will be slightly different to the next. Using a mix of the modern and traditional techniques gives us exceptional flexibility.”

DMO’s have helped thousands of people become more independent and confident, improving their quality of life. Chloe Sharland uses the DMO Scoliosis Suit,

“I have been using the Scoliosis Suit for about 3 years now. It’s just brilliant – I have strength and energy! Before, I felt my condition was stopping me from doing things. It’s really positive the suit makes you use your muscles unlike a structured brace and it doesn’t affect your appearance, which can be really important as a teenager. I feel that I have more control, I can achieve what I want now. My condition doesn’t dominate my life – it doesn’t define who I am.”

The company has also helped high level athletes and often works with Olympians, Paralympians and other sports professionals. Paralympian Sophia Warner used DMO Shorts as part of her preparation for the London 2012 Games.

“The shorts played an integral part in my preparation for the 2012 Paralympic Games. They were re-tuning my neurological system and were brilliant as a training tool both on and off the track. My training became so much more effective. My posture was corrected and this doubled the level of my strength training making me more powerful.”

DM Orthotics have a range of suits, socks, gloves, shorts and leggings as well as FES which can be used to manage neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. For more information visit www.dmorthotics.com