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Custom Orthotics play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and alleviating pain for individuals with various foot and lower limb conditions. While pre-made orthotics can offer some benefits, the importance of customization cannot be overstated. Tailoring orthotic devices to meet individual needs leads to improved comfort, functionality, and overall...

In recent years, the field of assistive technology has seen remarkable advancements, especially in the realm of prosthetics and orthotics. These innovations have transformed the lives of individuals with limb differences and mobility impairments, offering them increased independence, functionality, and quality of life. Let's delve into some of the ...

Losing a limb is a life-altering event that can have a profound impact on an individual's emotional well-being. Whether the loss is due to trauma, illness, or congenital conditions, the emotional journey following limb loss can be challenging. From coping with grief and anger to adjusting to a new way of life. Navigating emotional well-being after ...

What is your position at Winpo? What was your journey to get there?   Prosthetic Resident. I completed a masters degree in Rehabilitation sciences from McMaster University. In the same year I also applied to the O&P George Brown College program and was accepted. I completed one year of the technical program, then got accepted into the clinic...

Over the years, prosthetic technology has undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming the lives of millions of people worldwide. This blog post explores the journey of prosthetics and how it has impacted the millions of individuals who live with limb loss.The Dawn of Prosthetics The history of prosthetics can be traced back to ancient civiliza...

Sleep is an essential part of our lives. It is crucial for our physical and mental well-being, and it helps us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, for people with limb loss, getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and strategies that can help individuals with limb loss to sleep better.Inve...

Nick Leclerc recently joined the WinPO team under somewhat unique circumstances, having the perspective of a person with an amputation while working in the industry. We wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight Nick and his experience.   1. How did you become a person with an amputation? I was born with Spina-Bifida and had a club foot for n...

Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of amputation, most often that being a lower limb amputation. You might be asking yourself, ‘what is diabetes?’ There are two types of diabetes, a smaller percentage of people are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, typically when they are a child, teen or young adult. It comes quickly when the body ...

Amos Unrah has been a person with an amputation for most of his life. He has been a patient at Winpo for the past eight years since he moved to Manitoba. Below he shares some insight about his experience about having an amputation and what it is like to be a patient at Winpo.   Winpo: When did you become an amputee? AU: I lost my leg in a grain...

With all of this warm weather it is the perfect time to get out for a round of golf. If you have recently lost a limb, you may believe you are unable to golf but that is not the case. With help from a professional team as well as support from friends and family, golfing is absolutely possible.   It is no secret that finding a physical activity c...

What is your role at Winpo and when did you join the team?   SA: I immigrated to Canada in September 2006 and within two weeks I joined WinPO team as a resident in orthotics. Currently I am working as a registered technician in Orthotics. On my first visit to WinPO I was interviewed in the first hour in the morning and in the 2nd hour, I was an ...

A service animal, typically a dog, is trained to assist a person who has a disability. Technically any animal can be a service animal as long as they are trained to assist the individual with everyday tasks. No matter what type of animal, they must be certified by accredited schools and/or training program. They can be trained by an individual but ...

There are many reasons why your loved one could have undergone an amputation or has a scheduled amputation. Whether it is from an accident or a disease such as cancer or diabetes, the important thing is to support them and be there for them when they need you.   If you are the only caregiver to someone who has just had an amputation, there will ...

There are many different types of suspension systems that are used to suspend a prosthesis.  The suspension system of a prosthesis is a crucial factor in the design of a prosthesis. The suspension is how the socket is held to the residual limb. Good suspension will improve control of the prosthesis, limit movement within the prosthesis and decreas...

  When did you become an amputee?   I was first diagnosed with a degenerative small vessel disease called Buergers Disease effecting mostly my hands and feet in my early 20’s (I’m now 59) after losing a finger due to gangrene, and progressively losing several more fingers the disease started to progress to my toes.   Approximately 20 ye...

A career in Prosthetics and/or Orthotics is a well-respected profession within the medical field. It can be a little overwhelming to understand what path to take to best reach your goal of becoming a Certified Prosthetist or Orthotist. If you are interested in exploring this further, we are here to help answer some of your questions and give you th...

When a person with an upper limb amputation uses a prosthesis; there are typically three styles of prostheses to choose from: passive, body-powered, or myoelectric. The goals and abilities of a person with an upper limb amputation will help to determine the style of prosthesis that they receive.    A passive prosthesis has a lower level of func...

It’s no secret that any type of amputation will change your life. Just like anything in your life, it is up to you on how you handle it and what type of attitude you will have around the situation. We understand that is easier said than done so we wanted to provide you with some ideas that might help. These ones might not work for you, the import...

This is the second part of a three part series on Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) education and training in Canada. The first part can be found here: https://winpo.ca/blog/prosthetist-and-orthotist-education-and-training-in-canada/   Once the P&O student graduates from their education program they must complete a residency of a minim...

When you think about all of the new skills a recent amputee has to learn, getting dressed might not be on the top of the list. But it is an important one, it can provide physical independence and comfort. Along with that, it can help with the psychological process of healing.   Adaptive clothing is quiet simply what it sounds like. Clothing that...

As you may know there is a long list of possible amputations someone could have. Here we are going to briefly look at the 15 listed in the chart below.   Upper Body   Shoulder Disarticulation (SD) – The most common reason for this specific amputation is a tumor or a tragic accident where the arm is severed and cannot be saved. As you can se...

Whether you are a new amputee or have been one for years it is always great to see other people out there living their life as an amputee or helping people live their life as an amputee. With so much information on the internet today, we thought we would gather up a few resources for you and your family to take a look at.   Kristie Sita   Kri...

To our WinPO clients, family, and friends,   WinPO will remain open with limited services and access starting March 23, 2020 until further notice, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.   The Public Health authority is advising everyone practice social distancing and reduce non-essential services by allied health organizations, WinPO is doing its part...

In Canada, there are approximately 200,000 amputees. The three most common causes of limb loss are from disease, accident and congenital limb difference. Statistically, the most frequent limb loss is the loss of a portion of the foot and leg, either transtibial (below the knee) or transfemoral (above the knee).  Below we will delve into these thre...

With the cold weather settling in a lot of people are planning a winter getaway. Whether it be to visit family or get a break from the cold weather on a beach it takes planning. When you are an amputee it may take a little extra planning, but we are here to help you arrange a holiday that is as stress-free as possible.   As you are planning your...

In the beginning, becoming a parent of a child amputee can often feel overwhelming, frightening, and intimidating. You, and your child, are beginning a new journey together, but you are not alone. Many other families have walked this road before you, and with their past experiences, and the right resources, you can receive the support you need to h...

There can be several different reasons for an amputation to happen to an individual. They vary from an accident and emergency surgery to a planned surgery because of poor blood circulation, diabetes or cancer.   You might be left with several questions when you get the news that you have had to have an emergency amputation or that you need to pr...