Gaiters

• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Traumatic brain injury
• Polio
• Stroke
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Further indications for gaiter prescription may include:

• Post-injury recovery
• Post-surgery recovery
• Children with muscle tightness
• Strains and sprains
• Pain management around the affected joint
• Late standers/ walkers

• Prevent further contracture of the muscles around the joint by keeping parts on the body in a certain position to encourage a stretch of the muscles
• Reduce spasticity
• Help promote fine and gross motor skills
• Facilitate improved strength to gain control over joint muscles
• Breathable cotton fabric with personalised choice of linings, colours and patterns
• Simple way to prevent knee bending (flexing) in standing
• Full circumferential straps allow for easy size adjustments
• Can be worn in conjunction with a standing/ walking aid

The process to receive a gaiter would be:

• Assessment
• Measuring
• Fitting
• Review

Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities, medical history and current condition or injury. The paediatric orthotist will undertake an examination and watch their motion, paying attention to movements at their affected joints and making observations of how their body moves. Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. If a gaiter is deemed necessary, our orthotist will take circumference measurements at different parts of the leg, as well as leg length measurements to design a bespoke gaiter for your child’s needs. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that the treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.