LOC Manchester has moved - read blog article
The Optimal Segmental Kinematics and Alignment Approach to Rehabilitation (OSKAR) is an orthotic method of treating children with lower limb neurological conditions caused by such conditions as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
It was originally developed by Elaine Owen MBE MSc SRP MCSP, a world-renowned physiotherapist who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to children with disabilities. OSKAR’s efficacy is proven by extensive evidence. We have also seen at first hand its effectiveness as Elaine has been working with us since 2015.
The OSKAR clinic is held in the London Orthotic Consultancy’s gait laboratory at our headquarters clinic in Kingston upon Thames. We have another OSKAR clinic at our Manchester clinic which is located at the University of Salford where we have access to the University’s Gait Laboratory.
Impairments from Cerebral Palsy range in severity, usually in correlation to the degree of injury to the brain. The primary effects of Cerebral Palsy are impairments of muscle tone, motor functions, balance and posture. Exact symptoms will vary from child to child.
At our OSKAR clinic we assess each child on the basis of the ICF guidelines, this stands for the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. It was approved for use by the World Health Assembly in 2001. It provides a framework within which our clinicians can measure and assess an individual’s physical functioning. Gait and walking patterns are assessed in our video vector gait laboratory. We can then set goals for the improvements we want to see with our orthotic treatments. Periodically we will objectively measure how we are doing against these goals, setting review dates that are appropriate for each child.
The clinical package is detailed below. It provides a comprehensive clinical service for the orthotic management of children requiring lower-limb orthotics, such as an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFOs). From the initial clinical assessment and setting of specific goals, to the provision of the orthosis and measurement of the goals set, whilst managing any problems throughout the life of the orthosis – the objective is to provide parents with a complete holistic service that they can totally rely on which also provides objective outcome measurements.
All appointments in the OSKAR clinic are directed by one of LOC’s HCPC qualified senior orthotists (BSc) who have been working alongside Elaine since 2015. The comprehensive treatment package includes the following elements:
Precise casting and specification of the custom-made orthosis.
Tuning of the orthosis and footwear while standing and walking using the video vector gait laboratory
| OSKAR Clinical Package with Orthotist | from £1,800 |
| OSKAR Clinical Package with Elaine Owen & Orthotist | £2,520 |
| OSKAR Follow Up Clinical Package With Elaine Owen | £2,280 |
| OSKAR Follow Up Clinical Package with Orthotist | £1,680 |
| If you have any questions about the OSKAR Clinical Package, please contact LOC on 020 8974 9989 |
Among 14 to 17-year-old cricket players, there is an increased risk of pars stress fracture, or spondylolysis, which can cause lower back pain and reduced mobility. These athletes are at high risk due to their still-developing bones, which struggle to cope with the repetitive stress of fast bowling.
Apprentice orthotist Catherine Hendy’s journey into the world of prosthetics and orthotics began in an unconventional way. After completing a degree in art, she then trained as an orthotics technician, before taking up an apprenticeship to become a clinician. Now, she’s been nominated for the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) Student of the Year 2024.
Amelia was diagnosed with tightness in her neck by her GP before her plagiocephaly diagnosis. Clinician Jo Drake treated her with a LOCband Lite cranial remoulding helmet, which improved her overall head shape and asymmetry.
What are lower limb orthotics, and how can they improve mobility and reduce pain? We've put together this summary of the different kinds of lower limb orthotics, from AFOs and KAFOs to more complex orthotics like RGOs, and how they can help patients with their mobility goals.
Barney's very severe flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and diagnosis of torticollis led to successful helmet therapy with the LOCband, significantly improving his head shape, going from 27mm asymmetry to 12mm.
“It’s life-changing, my swimming coach has even remarked what a difference my treatment has made" Read how pectus bracing treatment helped to correct Aris' complex chest deformity, involving a combination of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum and rib flaring.
Cerebral palsy patient Lucas sees significant improvement in his walking after only six months in his new custom Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs), designed by Professor Saeed Forghany in our Manchester clinic. Hear how a detailed gait analysis and bespoke AFOs significantly improved Lucas's gait and comfort.
Freddie’s positional plagiocephaly was treated successfully with the LOCBand Lite, going from 11mm to 2mm after four months in his helmet.
