Apos Therapy

Apos Therapy is an innovative non-surgical treatment which involves wearing a pair of specialist trainers for 1-2 hours per day. Extensive independent clinical trials have proven that Apos treatment is effective in reducing the symptoms of knee pain, hip pain and lower back pain.

  • 83 % of users report more than 50% pain reduction
  • 86% avoided total knee replacement at 2 years
  • 60% improvement in function
  • 98% of patients would recommend APOS therapy to friends and family

What are the indications for the use of Apos Therapy?

  • Knee pain
  • Patellofemoral pain (knee cap region)
  • Non specific lower back pain
  • Hip pain

What conditions is Apos Therapy often used for?

  • Medial (inside) compartment knee osteoarthritis
  • Lateral (inside) compartment knee osteoarthritis
  • Patellofemoral arthritis (behind knee cap)
  • Meniscal cartilage tears
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spondylolysis
  • Hip Bursitis
  • Hip osteoarthritis

If you are unsure if you would be suitable for Apos therapy please contact us to discuss.

What is Apos Therapy?

As part of the Apos Therapy, the user will be required to wear a pair of Apos trainers for 1-2 hours per day. The wear time can easily be incorporated into the users daily routines. The footwear is fashionable and comes in laces and velcro fastening.

The footwear has two convex rubberised pods per shoe, which are attached to the sole of the footwear. Our Apos certified orthotist’s are trained to fine tune the locations of the pods to provide optimal pain relief in the symptomatic areas.

How does Apos Therapy work?

Biomechanical redistribution - by fine tuning the position of the convex pods, the forces that normally pass up through the legs when weight bearing are altered so the body weight is shifted away from painful areas.

Neuromuscular retraining - it is common for individuals who are suffering with joint pain to develop compensatory walking styles. Over time this can have a negative impact on other joints. Due to the amount of pain reduction that Apos therapy provides, individuals can walk with a more natural walking style. Over time this re-educates the neuromuscular system so the pain reduction and improved walking style can carry over to when the user is not wearing the Apos trainers.

What is the advantage of coming for an assessment with Orthotics UK?

  • Apos therapy certified
  • Same day assessment and trial
  • Complimentary physiotherapy programme
  • If the trial is unsuccessful we have other treatment options

What are the benefits of Apos Therapy?

There are many benefits that come from Apos Therapy. These include:

  • Reduced pain
  • Increased mobility
  • Increased walking speed
  • Improved gait pattern
  • Enhances muscle proprioception
  • Long lasting relief, even when not wearing the device
  • Convenient home treatment
  • Avoid surgical intervention

What is the process to receive Apos Therapy?

The process to receive a Apos Therapy would be:

  • Suitability Assessment / Trial
  • Physiotherapy
  • Telephone review (1 month)
  • Face to face review (3 months)
  • Face to face review (9 months)

Suitability/ Assessment

The first thing to do is to contact us to arrange an assessment with one of our Apos certified and HCPC registered orthotists. The orthotist will carry out a full suitability assessment including:

  • Muscle tests
  • Joint range of movement tests
  • Questions of medical history
  • Pain scores
  • Gait analysis
  • Balance tests
  • Walking speed

If Apos Therapy is deemed appropriate for you, the orthotist will be able to provide a free trial. We stock every UK size of footwear in order to provide a same day trial. If possible, please bring a pair of shorts to your appointment.

Trial

The orthotist will initially ask you to walk in bare feet while a computerised gait test is recorded. The orthotist will also observe your gait taking notes of any significant gait abnormalities.

The orthotist will then fit you with a pair of trial Apos trainers with the pods set up in a neutral position. The orthotist will then observe your gait and ask if there are any locations of pain. The pods will then be finely calibrated until symptoms are adequately reduced. You will then be asked to repeat the computerised gait test and results compared.

At this point the orthotist will create your specific trainer order using the gait test and calibration information. A pair of Apos Therpy trainers will then be manufactured and delivered straight to your door.

Physiotherapy

As the neuromuscular system benefits from the Apos Therapy, targeted physiotherapy can ensure optimal results. Orthotics Uk provide a course of physiotherapy which is designed to complement the Apos therapy.

Reviews

There are three reviews included in the treatment.

1 Month - The first review is a telephone review to ensure treatment is progressing as planned.

3 Months - The second review is face to face. The computerised gait test is performed again. The results are analysed and the pods can be recalibrated if required. Recalibration can be a good opportunity to further decrease pain and further challenge the neuromuscular system.

9 Months - The third review is face to face. The computerised gait test is performed again. The results are analysed and the pods can be recalibrated if required. This is the last review included in treatment however further reviews can be arranged.

What if I am not suitable for Apos therapy after my assessment/ trial?

Our orthotists have a wealth of knowledge in the treatment of lower limb disorders. If the trial is not successful the orthotist will be able to recommend and provide alternative treatment, such as:

  • Specialist knee bracing
  • Insoles
  • Splints
  • Specialist footwear
  • Gait reeducation
  • Physiotherapy
  • Massage therapy

To find out more please see our process / what to expect.

How do I arrange an assessment for Apos Therapy?

To find out more, or to arrange an appointment for Apos Therapy please email us at office@orthotics.co.uk or call us on 0161 883 0355 or complete the form below