Tag: DAFO

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Bremerton Beyond Accessible Playground

The playground of our dreams? It exists. We were delighted to attend the grand opening of this incredible, inclusive, beyond accessible project, located in Bremerton, Washington. To learn more visit: http:// www.facebook.com/beyondaccessibleplay Video created by Cascade Dafo, Inc. http://www.cascadedafo.com

Bremerton Beyond Accessible Playground

An overview of a typical pediatric bracing appointment | Cascade Dafo

This video follows a young patient as she visits her orthotist to get a pair of lower extremity orthoses. Includes footage and discussion of the entire bracing process: determining which style of brace is best, the casting process, brace fabrication, initial fitting, adjustments, and evaluation of wear. Narrated by the patient's orthotist, Don Buethorn, CPO (owner of Cascade Dafo, Inc. and Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics).

An overview of a typical pediatric bracing appointment | Cascade Dafo

How to | Assess range & voluntary control in the crouching patient

In this educational video, Cascade Dafo owner/founder Don Buethorn, CPO, talks about assessing range and level of voluntary control in patients who exhibit crouching/excess dorsiflexion. Includes discussion of various Cascade Dafo brace styles.

How to | Assess range & voluntary control in the crouching patient

How to | Rehearse your correction before casting

This instructional narrated video provides guidance for rehearsing the final corrected position you'd like to capture in the cast, prior to starting the casting process for custom-fabricated DAFOs.

How to | Rehearse your correction before casting

Let's Visit the Orthotist: a Kid's-Eye View

This fun video, narrated by a child and featuring kids of various ages and abilities, helps kids know what to expect when visiting the orthotist. It's great for parents and practitioners to show kids ahead of their appointments.

Let's Visit the Orthotist: a Kid's-Eye View

How to | Cast for DAFOs

This instructional video provides step-by-step guidance for casting for DAFOs. This video shows how to make a cast in preparation for ordering custom DAFOs. The shape you capture in the cast will be used to fabricate a DAFO -- a good cast is a critical component for superior fit and function of the finished orthosis.

How to | Cast for DAFOs

How to | Trim medial/lateral distal trimlines at initial fitting

Cindy Diener, CPO, narrates this instructional video, showing common adjustments made to a DAFO at the inital patient fitting.

How to | Trim medial/lateral distal trimlines at initial fitting

How to | Adjust distal trimlines

This how-to video shows the process of adjusting the distal trimlines.

How to | Adjust distal trimlines

How to | Adjust distal trimlines on a Softy liner

This how-to video shows the process of adjusting distal trimlines on a Softy liner.

How to | Adjust distal trimlines on a Softy liner

How to | Trim the toe shelf on a DAFO

This how-to video shows the process of trimming the toe shelf on a DAFO.

How to | Trim the toe shelf on a DAFO

How to | Place & trim the toe rise pad in the field

In this instructional video Cindy Diener, CPO, shows how she trims and places the toe rise pad on a DAFO when in the field (when acess to an orthotics lab is not available).

How to | Place & trim the toe rise pad in the field

How to | Place & trim the toe rise pad (with heat gun adjustments)

This instructional video is narrated by Cascade Dafo owner/founder Don Buethorn, CPO and provides instruction for placing the toe rise pad on a DAFO. In this video, Don uses an embossing gun to heat and soften the plastic before trimming

How to | Place & trim the toe rise pad (with heat gun adjustments)

How to | Place & trim the toe rise pad in the orthotic lab

This instructional video, narrated by Cindy Diener, CPO, shows step-by-step tips for trimming and placing the toe rise pad on a DAFO, when access to the tools in a typical orthotics lab is available.

How to | Place & trim the toe rise pad in the orthotic lab

How to | Flare proximal trimlines on a DAFO 4

This how-to video shows the process of flaring the proximal trimlines on a DAFO 4.

How to | Flare proximal trimlines on a DAFO 4

How to | Flare the proximal trimline on a DAFO Tami2

This how-to video shows the process of flaring the proximal trimline on a DAFO Tami2.

How to | Flare the proximal trimline on a DAFO Tami2

How to | Flare the met head

This how-to video shows the process of flaring the brace at the 5th met head, a common field adjustment.

How to | Flare the met head

How to | Relieve the navicular by cutting a window

This how-to video shows the process of cutting a window at the navicular to relieve pressure.

How to | Relieve the navicular by cutting a window

How to | Relieve boney prominences

This how-to video shows the process of relieving boney prominences by heating and pushing out, a common field adjustment. It also includes a brief tool explanation.

How to | Relieve boney prominences

How to | Don the DAFO 9 Softy

This instructional video provides step-by-step guidance for donning the DAFO® 9 night-stretching orthosis.

How to | Don the DAFO 9 Softy

How to | Cut an AFO down to an SMO to test a lower level of support

This how-to video narrated by Cindy Diener, CPO shows the process of cutting a DAFO 3 down to a DAFO 4 to test a lower level of support on a patient before ordering new braces.

How to | Cut an AFO down to an SMO to test a lower level of support

An example of overheating thin plastic

This video shows what happens if you overheat the plastic while making adjustments.

An example of overheating thin plastic

Brace design | Understanding the DAFO Tami2

Cascade Dafo, Inc. owner/founder Don Buethorn, CPO, explains the DAFO Tami2 orthosis. The DAFO Tami2 is a custom-fabricated, articulated AFO with Tamarack hinges (straight or dorsi-assist). This two-part orthosis has a flexible, polyethelene inner liner to comfortably maintain and/or correct foot alignment. The standard trimline of the outer frame has a plantarflexion stop -- used for patients who exhibit stong excess plantarflexion or knee hyperextension. Dorsi-assist hinges are available in 75, 85, or 95 durometer; also available with a straight Tamarack hinge. The DAFO Tami2 can also be fabricated with a free-ankle trimline, allowing a smooth movement in the sagittal plane. The proximal, outer portion of the DAFO Tami2 with the free ankle trimline provides above-ankle leverage to assist with medial/lateral stability -- appropriate for patients who exhibit high-tone pronation/supination but need minimal ankle control.

Brace design | Understanding the DAFO Tami2

Case study | 6 yr. old boy - excess plantarflexion | Is he ready for SMO style braces?

Jill Smith, PT, and Cindy Deiner, CPO, team together to determine if their young patient can tolerate a lower level of support in his next pair of DAFOs.

Case study | 6 yr. old boy - excess plantarflexion | Is he ready for SMO style braces?

Case study | 4 yr. old boy - moderate crouching | DAFO FA

This case study video follows a young patient with a diagnosis of Spina Bifida. Jaxon, age 4, exhibits pronation and excess dorsiflexion. He receives a pair of custom fabricated DAFO FA orthoses. When initially fit with his new DAFOs, it's clear that the dorsiflexion angle of the braces, when worn with shoes, is too aggressive. The braces are remade for an improved outcome. This video is narrated by Cindy Diener, CPO.

Case study | 4 yr. old boy - moderate crouching | DAFO FA

Case study | 3 yr. old girl - excess dorsiflexion/crouching | DAFO Turbo Softy

This case study follows a young patient diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, Emri age 3, exhibits excess dorsiflexion/crouching. She receives a pair of custom fabricated DAFO Turbo Softy orthoses. Her physical therapist Kathy Shaprio, PT is interviewed about Emri's progress. The video is narrated by Don Buethorn, CPO.

Case study | 3 yr. old girl - excess dorsiflexion/crouching | DAFO Turbo Softy

Case study | 4yr. old boy with excess plantarflexion & swing phase inconsistency | Comparing the DAFO 3.5 & DAFO Tami2

Mason, a 4-year-old boy with hemplegia, exhibits swing phase inconsistency and excess plantarflexion on his affected side. Follow along with this video comparing his gait in the plantarflexion resist DAFO 3.5 orthosis with his gait in the plantarflexion block hinged DAFO Tami2 orthosis. This video is narrated by the patient's orthotist, Larry Paise, CPO.

Case study | 4yr. old boy with excess plantarflexion & swing phase inconsistency | Comparing the DAFO 3.5 & DAFO Tami2

Case study | Swing phase inconsistency | DAFO 3.5

This video follows a young patient over time. This patient exhibits swing phase inconsistency and an unstable, ataxic gait. He is casted for a pair of custom fabricated DAFO 3.5 plantarflexion resist braces to help provide him with support and stability. The DAFO 3.5 combines wrap-arond foot control with a leaf-spring style posterior upright that comfortably provides graded resistance to ankle movement. This video is narrated by the patient's orthotist, Larry Paise, CPO.

Case study | Swing phase inconsistency | DAFO 3.5

Case study | Excess plantarflexion: a view of the same patient at age 2 and age 7

This case study video shows the same patient, Summer, at age 2 and age 7. Summer has a diagnosis of schizencephaly and exhibits strong excess plantarflexion (toe walking) with high muscle tone. At age 2, she wears a pair of custom fabricated DAFO 3 Softy plantarflexion block orthoses to help control foot position. At age 7, Summer wears a pair of custom fabricated DAFO 2 orthoses -- hinged plantarflexion block style orthoses. This video is narrated by the patient's orthotist: Cindy Diener, CPO.

Case study | Excess plantarflexion: a view of the same patient at age 2 and age 7

Patient story | 4 yr. old boy with excess plantarflexion & swing phase inconsistency - DAFO Tami2

Mason, a 4-year-old boy with hemplegia, exhibits swing phase inconsistency and excess plantarflexion on his affected side. Follow along with this video comparing his gait in the plantarflexion resist DAFO 3.5 orthosis with his gait in the plantarflexion block hinged DAFO Tami2 orthosis. This video is narrated by the patient's orthotist, Larry Paise, CPO.

Patient story | 4 yr. old boy with excess plantarflexion & swing phase inconsistency - DAFO Tami2

Before & After: Moderate Low Tone Pronation | Chipmunk

This patient is wearing a UCBL-style shoe insert, the Fast Fit Chipmunk, to help control moderate low tone pronation. The Chipmunk is ortho-engineered to control moderate pronation of the pediatric foot with an optimal amount of support and comfort. This low-profile solution features a unique, integrated two-part system, combining internal alignment from molded foam contours with the stability of a flat external base.

Before & After: Moderate Low Tone Pronation | Chipmunk

Before & After: Strong Low Tone Pronation | DAFO 4

This before-and-after patient video shows a young boy who exhibits strong low tone pronation. He shows distinct heel eversion, marked forefoot abduction, and an absent medial arch. The after video shows him in a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 4 orthoses with noteable improvements in foot position, stability and gait. Because of his fully-correctable alignment, this patient would also be a good candidate for an off-the-shelf solution: the JumpStart Leap Frog.

Before & After: Strong Low Tone Pronation | DAFO 4

Before & After: High Tone Pronation | DAFO 4

This before-and-after video shows a young boy who exhibits high tone pronation benefitting from the stability provided by a pair of the custom-fabricated DAFO 4 (supramalleolar orthoses). The DAFO 4 comfortably surrounds the foot, providing the patient with reliably stable support. With the foot comfortably held in a good functional position, the patient gains confidence in the ability to stand and bear weight, encouraging the use and development of walking skills.

Before & After: High Tone Pronation | DAFO 4

Before & After: High Tone Pronation | DAFO 4 Softy

This before-and-after video shows a young boy who exhibits high tone pronation benefitting from the stability provided by a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 4 Softy orthoses. The DAFO 4 Softy comfortably surrounds the foot, providing the patient with reliably stable support. With the foot comfortably held in a good functional position, the patient gains confidence in the ability to stand and bear weight, encouraging the use and development of walking skills.

Before & After: High Tone Pronation | DAFO 4 Softy

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency | DAFO 3.5

A young girl wears a custom-fabricated DAFO 3.5 orthoses to help control swing phase inconsistency on her affected side. The DAFO 3.5 combines full wrap-around foot control with a leaf-spring style posterior that provides graded resistance to ankle movement.

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency | DAFO 3.5

Before & After: Swing phase inconsistency | DAFO 3.5

A young girl wears a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 3.5 orthoses to help control swing phase inconsistency. The DAFO 3.5 combines full wrap-around foot control with a leaf-spring style posterior that provides graded resistance to ankle movement.

Before & After: Swing phase inconsistency | DAFO 3.5

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency | DAFO 3.5 with PE Liner

This adult patient, with a diagnosis of Charcot Marie Tooth, benefits from the stability and support provided by a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 3.5 orthoses. The DAFO 3.5 combines full wrap-around foot control with a leaf-spring style posterior upright that provides graded resistance to ankle movement. The braces have been optimized to accomodate the patient's uncorrectable foot position and boney prominences.

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency | DAFO 3.5 with PE Liner

Austin: Hyperextension

Follow 6-year-old patient Austin as he receives a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO Tami2 orthoses to encourage voluntary control of his knee hyperextension. Includes footage and discussion of the initial fitting process and standard adjustments to the DAFOs. Narrated by the patient's orthotist, Don Buethorn, CPO -- owner of Cascade Dafo, Inc.

Austin: Hyperextension

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency | DAFO 3.5 Softy

This before-and-after video shows a patient wearing a DAFO 3.5 Softy orthosis on his affected side. The DAFO 3.5 Softy uses a soft foam linter to provide comfortble wrap-around control of a fixed, less correctable foot. This is combined with a leaf-spring style posterior upright, providing graded resistance to ankle movement.

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency | DAFO 3.5 Softy

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency

This dramatic before-and-after video shows a patient who exhibits severe pronation and swing phase inconsistency benefit from the assistance of a DAFO. This patient's feet are fully correctable -- she is wearing Cascade Dafo's custom-fabricated DAFO 3.5 braces (plantarflexion-resist AFOs), optimized for control of her pronation and relief of boney prominences.

Before & After: Swing Phase Inconsistency

Before & After: Mild Excessive Plantarflexion – Toe Walking | DAFO 4 with Wrap-Around Strap

This before-and-after video shows a patient who exhibits pronation and toe walking benefit from the use of a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 4 orthoses. The DAFO 4 comfortably surrounds the foot, providing the patient with reliably stable support. With the foot comfortably held in a good functional position, the patient gains confidence in the ability to stand and bear weight, encouraging the use and development of walking skills. The wrap around strap provides a cue to encourage the patient to put his heels down.

Before & After: Mild Excessive Plantarflexion – Toe Walking | DAFO 4 with Wrap-Around Strap

Before & After: Excessive Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 3.5

This pediatric patient wears DAFO 3.5 orthoses to help control excess plantarflexion (toe walking). The DAFO 3.5 is a custom-fabricated plantarflexion-resist AFO, combining full wrap-around foot control with a leaf-spring style posterior upright that provides graded resistance to ankle movement.

Before & After: Excessive Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 3.5

Before & After: Excessive Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 3

This before-and-after video shows a young patient with a diagnosis of schizencephaly. She exhibits excess plantarflexion (toe walking). Her excess plantarflexion is improved by wearing DAFO 3s, Cascade Dafo's plantarflexion-block custom-fabricated AFOs. The DAFO 3 combines full wrap-around foot control with a solid proximal posterior upright that blocks ankle plantarflexion and allows free dorsiflexion. This brace style is particularly well-suited for smaller patients as it is both light, and simple in form and function.

Before & After: Excessive Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 3

Before & After: Excessive Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 2

A young girl wears a hinged DAFO 2 on her left side to help control excess plantarflexion (toe walking). The custom-fabricated DAFO 2 combines full wrap-around foot control with a hinged proximal upgright designed to block plantarflexion.

Before & After: Excessive Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 2

Before & After: Hyperextension | DAFO 3.5

Sixteen-year-old Shane is wearing a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 3.5 plantarflexion resist leg braces to help control knee hyperextension and swing phase inconsistency. The DAFO 3.5 is a posterior leaf-spring style orthoses designed to provide graded resistance to ankle movement. Like all Cascade DAFOs, the brace also features comfortable, full wrap-around foot control.

Before & After: Hyperextension | DAFO 3.5

Before & After: Hyperextension | DAFO 2

The patient in this before-and-after video exhibits strong knee hyperextension. He benefits from the stability and control provided by a pair of custom-fabricated hinged DAFO 2 orthoses. The DAFO 2 provides comfortable, wrap-around foot control with a hinged proximal upright designed to block ankle plantarflexion.

Before & After: Hyperextension | DAFO 2

Before & After: Excess Dorsiflexion | DAFO Turbo

This before-and-after video shows a young boy with a crouched posture benefit from the stability and support of solid-ankle AFOs. Patient is wearing the DAFO Turbo -- a 2-part custom-fabricated brace consisting of a wrap-around inner liner for foot control, combined with a rigid outer foundation that effectively blocks ankle movement, applying a gentle correction to the patient's excess dorsiflexion.

Before & After: Excess Dorsiflexion | DAFO Turbo

Adam: Hyperextension

A young boy with knee hyperextension experiences improvement in stability and gait pattern when introduced to a combined regimen of bracing and physical therapy. This video demonstrates the brace selection process from assessing the patient’s needs, to assessing the outcome.

 Adam: Hyperextension

Allen: Excess plantarflexion

Allen, a 2 year old boy, exhibits excess plantarflexion and needs a device that will encourage full-contact standing during school-based therapy activities. Allen wears a pair of pre-fabricated JumpStart Kangaroo orthoses to block excess plantarflexion and encourage active dorsiflexion. This video shows the entire bracing process -- from patient assessment to sizing to fitting and adjustments, and finally, evaluation of fit and function. Narrated by Don Buethorn, CPO -- owner of Cascade Dafo, Inc.

Allen: Excess plantarflexion

Austin: Hyperextension | A Follow-up

A follow-up to the first video of Austin, who wears bilateral DAFO Tami2s with dorsi-assist hinges and a free plantar-flexion trimline to help him control his pronation and knee hyperextension. Begins with a recap of his initial fitting and then shows his growing progress over time with the new braces. Demonstrates the importance of time to habituate to new braces and an integrated approach to the combined efforts of bracing and physical therapy.

Austin: Hyperextension | A Follow-up

Cassidy: Swing Phase Inconsistency

This video follows a pediatric physical therapy session with 8-year-old Cassidy, who presents with hemiplegia. Cassidy wears a DAFO Tami2 orthosis on her affected side to encourage voluntary control of her swing phase inconsistency. This video is narrated by the patient's physical therapist, Vicki Schwartz, and shows different PT exercises throughout the session.

Cassidy: Swing Phase Inconsistency

Justin: Excessive Plantarflexion

The video shows Justin, a 4-year-old boy with Cerebal Palsy (hemiplegia), using a custom-fabricated DAFO 3 on his affected side, to control excessive plantarflexion (toe walking). This video is narrated by the patient's pediatric physical therapist, Kathy Shapiro. It shows Justin with and without the DAFO during his physical therapy session. Includes commentary about various physical therapy activities, including using a treadmill to work with pediatric patients.

Justin: Excessive Plantarflexion

McKenna's Paralympic Journey

Follow the story of recent high school graduate McKenna Dahl, 18, of Arlington, Wash. as she prepares to become a resident athlete at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center, moving one step closer towards her dream of competing for Team USA in Paralympic Shooting.

McKenna's Paralympic Journey

Niles: Excessive Plantarflexion

This patient case study video follows Niles, a 5-year-old boy who exhibits excess plantarflexion on his affected side. Niles diagnosis is cerebral palsy (hemiplegia). Niles' pediatric physical therapist, Vicki Schwartz, narrates this video and discusses some of the exercises she uses during the PT session. Niles wears a hinged custom fabricated DAFO 2 to provide foot and ankle stability.

Niles: Excessive Plantarflexion

Maya: Swing Phase Inconsistency

Follow 10-year-old patient Maya as she gets a new pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 3.5 orthoses to help control swing phase inconsistency (Maya's diagnosis is arthrogryposis). This video shows the entire bracing process -- from the initial assessment to casting to fitting and adjustments. The video is narrated by Don Buethorn, CPO -- owner of Cascade Dafo, Inc.

Maya: Swing Phase Inconsistency

Valerie: High Tone Pronation

This video follows 4-year-old Valerie during a pediatric physical therapy session. Valerie has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (spasic diplegia). She exhibits strong pronation and has spasticity in her lower extremities. Valerie's physical therapist, Kathy Shapiro, narrates this video and talks about the various exercise performed during the session, and their purpose, including use of a treadmill. Valerie wears a pair of custom fabricated DAFO 4 orthoses.

Valerie: High Tone Pronation

Vanessa: High Tone Pronation

This patient case study video follows 7-year-old Vanessa during a pediatric physical therapy session. Vanessa wears a DAFO 3.5 on her left side and a lower-profile DAFO 4on her right. This video is narrated by Vanessa's physical therapist, Jill Smith. Jill provides commentary about the purpose of the various exercises performed during the session.

Vanessa: High Tone Pronation

Need help? Send us your videos

This instructional video provides guidance for sending us patient videos to use for consultation to help with brace selection. Includes tips for filming the patient and what type of patient information to send.

Need help? Send us your videos

Before & after: low tone pronation | DAFO 5

This before and after video shows a patient benefiting from the added stability and support provided by a pair of DAFO 5s. The DAFO 5 is custom fabricated from a cast, has defined plantar surface contours, fully integrated padding, and partial heel and midfoot wrap.

Before & after: low tone pronation | DAFO 5

Happy Holidays from Cascade Dafo

Cascade Dafo proudly presents: The Dance of the DAFO-Plum Fairy.

Happy Holidays from Cascade Dafo

Emri's Marfan Story

Learn about Emri, a little girl with Marfan Syndrome, and how she has far exceeded everyone's expectations.

Emri's Marfan Story

Brace movement | DAFO 3 and DAFO 2

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO 3 as compared to the DAFO 2. Both braces are designed to block excess plantarflexion which can present as toe walking or knee hyperextension.

Brace movement | DAFO 3 and DAFO 2

Brace movement | DAFO 4 w/posterior strap

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO 4 with a posterior strap.

Brace movement | DAFO 4 w/posterior strap

Brace movement | DAFO 3.5

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO 3.5.

Brace movement | DAFO 3.5

Brace movement | DAFO FlexiSport

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO FlexiSport.

Brace movement | DAFO FlexiSport

Brace movement | DAFO 3

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO 3.

Brace movement | DAFO 3

Brace movement | DAFO 2

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO 2.

Brace movement | DAFO 2

Brace movement | DAFO Tami 2

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO Tami 2.

Brace movement | DAFO Tami 2

Brace movement | DAFO 4

This video demonstrates how the leg and ankle move in the DAFO 4.

Brace movement | DAFO 4

Product video | DAFO 4

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO 4.

Product video | DAFO 4

Product video | DAFO 3

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® 3.

Product video | DAFO 3

Product video | DAFO Tami2

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® Tami2.

Product video | DAFO Tami2

Product video | DAFO 3.5

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® 3.5

Product video | DAFO 3.5

Product video | DAFO 2

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® 2

Product video | DAFO 2

DAFO KAFO | Casting

This video shows a brief overview of a patient being cast for a KAFO.

DAFO KAFO | Casting

DAFO KAFO | Donning

This brief video shows a KAFO being donned.

DAFO KAFO | Donning

DAFO KAFO | Ambulating

This video shows a patient ambulating in a DAFO KAFO.

DAFO KAFO | Ambulating

Product video | DAFO Turbo

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® Turbo

Product video | DAFO Turbo

Product video | Dafo 9 Softy

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® 9 Softy.

Product video | Dafo 9 Softy

Product video | DAFO FA

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® FA.

Product video | DAFO FA

Product video | DAFO 5

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® 5.

Product video | DAFO 5

Derby's First Steps

We received the following email and video from Tadd, proud dad to twins Derby and Loen: “My twins were born 16 weeks early, at just 24 weeks and 2 days gestation weighing only 1 pound 6 ounces each. They both were in the NICU for nearly 4 months and came home in February 2008. We were pleased with our NICU outcome, especially considering some of the hurdles that they both overcame. Fast forward for about 1 year – February 2009. The twins adjusted age is now around 1 year. My daughter starts to walk and is pretty much on pace with her adjusted age. My son, on the other hand, is clearly not going to be walking in the near future. We received a cerebral palsy diagnosis for him sometime in the middle of August, 2009 and the doctor prescribed him a DAFO. At this point, I was hoping that he would be walking on his own by Christmas. Then, he received his DAFO on Monday, August 31, 2009 and proceeded to amaze us by taking his first steps only 2 days later. You can only imagine the elation that his mother and I shared that day. There was no stopping him after that. For the next month or two he didn’t want to play, he only wanted to walk. So, while it is a little bit late, I would like to thank you for helping my son. His mobility really means the world to him and also to us.”

Derby's First Steps

NWBA National Women's Tournament, Seattle, March 18-20, 2016

Cascade Dafo attended the NWBA National Women’s Tournament in Seattle. What a treat to watch these super-energized and talented young women tearing up the court!

NWBA National Women's Tournament, Seattle, March 18-20, 2016

Product video | DAFO Floor Reaction

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® Floor Reaction.

Product video | DAFO Floor Reaction

Product video | DAFO FlexiSport

This product video looks at the function and features of the custom fabricated DAFO® FlexiSport.

Product video | DAFO FlexiSport

Maggie and Beau

Meet Maggie and Beau – like many kids and family dogs, they’ve grown up together. But Beau is not the typical family dog and the bond between them goes much deeper, as you’ll hear from Maggie while she prepares for the next chapter in her life.

Maggie and Beau

DAFO Creation Station - Come on over and get creative

Decking out custom DAFOs just got a whole lot easier – and much more fun! The DAFO Creation Station takes the guesswork out of choosing between the various patterns and colors – and its interactive, straightforward design makes it easy to use. Not only will kids have fun designing their new braces, they’ll be excited to show off the final product!

DAFO Creation Station - Come on over and get creative

Before & After: Excess Plantarflexion | Toe Walking | DAFO 2

In this before and after video, a young boy wears a hinged DAFO 2 on his left side to help control excess plantarflexion (toe walking). The custom-fabricated DAFO 2 combines full wrap-around foot control with a hinged proximal up-right designed to block plantarflexion.

Before & After: Excess Plantarflexion | Toe Walking | DAFO 2

Before and After: Excess Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO Tami2

In this before-and-after video, a young boy with hemiplegia wears a DAFO Tami2 to control toe walking on his affected side. The custom-fabricated DAFO Tami2 is an articulated AFO with Tamarack hinges (straight or dorsi-assist). This two-part orthosis has a flexible, polyethylene liner to comfortably maintain or correct foot alignment. The outer frame has a plantarflexion stop (also available in a free-ankle version).

Before and After: Excess Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO Tami2

Before and After: Excess Dorsiflexion - Crouching | DAFO FA

This before-and-after video shows a young boy with a crouched posture benefit from the stability and support of solid-ankle AFOs. The patient is wearing the DAFO FA -- a custom-fabricated brace with wrap-around control and a high instep trimline that gently blocks excess dorsiflexion. This brace style is particularly well-suited for smaller patients as it is both light, and simple in form and function.

Before and After: Excess Dorsiflexion - Crouching | DAFO FA

Before and After: Low Tone Pronation | DAFO 4

This before-and-after video shows a young boy who exhibits low tone pronation benefiting from the stability provided by a pair of custom-fabricated DAFO 4s. The DAFO 4 comfortably surrounds the foot, providing the patient with reliably stable support. With the foot comfortably held in a good functional position, the patient gains confidence in the ability to stand and bear weight, encouraging the use and development of walking skills.

Before and After: Low Tone Pronation | DAFO 4

Before and After: Excess Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 2

In this before and after video, a young boy wears hinged DAFO 2s to help control excess plantarflexion (toe walking). The custom-fabricated DAFO 2 combines full wrap-around foot control with a hinged proximal up-right to block plantarflexion.

Before and After: Excess Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 2

Before & After: Excess Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 2

In this before and after video, a boy wears hinged DAFO 2s to help control excess plantarflexion (toe walking). The custom-fabricated DAFO 2 combines full wrap-around foot control with a hinged proximal up-right to block plantarflexion.

Before & After: Excess Plantarflexion - Toe Walking | DAFO 2

Fashion show | Introducing solid-color transfers

Introducing solid-color transfers. See our entire collection on the Creation Station. https://cascadedafo.com/creation-station

Fashion show | Introducing solid-color transfers

Tips and Tricks | Working with young patients while casting

Quick tips for working with young patients while casting.

Tips and Tricks | Working with young patients while casting

Tips and Tricks | Working with young patients during assessment

Quick tips for working with young patients during manual assessment

Tips and Tricks | Working with young patients during assessment

Before & After: knee hyperextension | DAFO FlexiSport

This patient is wearing a pair of DAFO FlexiSport AFOs to control hyperextension. The DAFO FlexiSport has a semi-flexible posterior upright, providing graded resistance to plantarflexion/dorsiflexion.

Before & After: knee hyperextension | DAFO FlexiSport

Before & After | Strong Knee Hyperextension | DAFO 3

This before-and-after video shows a young patient with strong knee hyperextension wearing DAFO 3s. The solid proximal-posterior upright of the DAFO 3s block her excess plantarflexion, preventing her from hyperextending at the knee. Because there is no proximal anterior strap, her leg is free to move into dorsiflexion.

Before & After | Strong Knee Hyperextension | DAFO 3

Before & After | Moderate Crouching | DAFO 3.5

This before-and-after video shows a young girl with a crouched posture wearing DAFO 3.5s. The semi-rigid posterior strut of the DAFO 3.5s provides resistance to her crouched posture while giving some movement at the ankle.

Before & After | Moderate Crouching | DAFO 3.5

Product video | DAFO FA & DAFO 3 comparison

This product video compares the DAFO FA and the DAFO 3. Watch the video to see why it's important to know the difference.

Product video | DAFO FA & DAFO 3 comparison

News

Cascade Continuous Improvement: DAFO 5 & DAFO 5 Softy Updates

July 28, 2017

Our DAFO 5 and DAFO 5 Softy have a new streamlined fit and improved functionality.

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Catching up with Paralympic medalist McKenna Dahl

October 10, 2016

We’ve been enthusiastically following McKenna Dahl's Paralympic journey for the past few years. She recently returned from a history-making, medal-winning performance in Rio, and is looking ahead to a bright future. Learn more about her Paralympic experiences here.

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DAFO FA vs. DAFO 3: Which is best for dorsiflexion block in smaller patients?

September 13, 2016

When choosing a brace style for a smaller crouching patient, the DAFO FA is a better alternative than the DAFO 3.

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Documents

Basic DAFO Adjustments

August 8, 2014

Some simple adjustments that may help fine tune a DAFO and save the time and expense of a return.

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Applying the DAFO Toe Rise Pad

August 8, 2014

Instructions for how to apply a toe rise pad to your custom DAFO.

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Brace Donning

August 8, 2014

Step-by-step instructions for donning the patient's brace, habituation and care.

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Brace Planning Worksheet

August 8, 2014

Our Brace Planning Worksheets are an invaluable tool in clinical planning and brace selection. Use these worksheets in your practice to help you get organized and act as a handy template for your clinical/SOAP notes.

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Casting for DAFOs

August 8, 2014

Guidelines on casting for DAFOs

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DAFO 2: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 2. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 2: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 2.

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DAFO 2 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 2 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 2 Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 2 Softy.

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DAFO 3: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 3. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 3: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 3.

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DAFO 3 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 3 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 3 Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 3 Softy.

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DAFO 3.5: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 3.5. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 3.5: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 3.5.

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DAFO 3.5 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 3.5 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 3.5 Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 3.5 Softy.

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DAFO 4: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 4. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 4: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 4.

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DAFO 4 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 4 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com.

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DAFO 4 Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 4 Softy.

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DAFO 5: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 5. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 5: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 5.

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DAFO 5 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 5 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 5 Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 5 Softy.

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DAFO 8 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 8 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO 8 Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO 8 Softy.

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DAFO 9 Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO 9 Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO FA: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO FA. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO FA: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO FA.

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DAFO FA Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO FA Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO FA Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO FA Softy.

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DAFO FlexiSport: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO FlexiSport. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO FlexiSport: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO FlexiSport.

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DAFO Floor Reaction: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO Floor Reaction. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Floor Reaction: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO Floor Reaction.

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DAFO Optimization Index

August 8, 2014

A catalog of optimizations, grouped by patient presentation, that may improve brace fit and function for your patient.

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DAFO R: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO R. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Tami2: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO Tami2. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Tami2 (free ankle): Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO Tami2 with a free ankle trimline.

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DAFO Tami2 (PF block): Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO Tami2 with a PF block.

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DAFO Turbo: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO Turbo. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Turbo: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO Turbo.

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DAFO Turbo Softy: Order Form

August 8, 2014

Order form for the DAFO Turbo Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Turbo Softy: Product Sheet

August 8, 2014

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO Turbo Softy.

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Digital Scanning Guidelines

August 8, 2014

Guidelines for sending us your digital files and scans, including recommended file types, and directions for uploading.

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Donning the DAFO 9 Softy

August 8, 2014

Instructions and tips for how to don the DAFO 9 Softy, our night-stretching brace.

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Introduction to DAFO Braces

August 8, 2014

An overview of Cascade Dafo and the wide range of braces we manufacture.

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Optimizing DAFOs for Pronation and Supination

August 8, 2014

An in-depth guide to optimizing DAFOs for correctable pronation or supination.

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Pronation Control Pad

August 8, 2014

Illustrations to help you in positioning the pronation control pad.

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Strap Explanation

August 8, 2014

Explanation of strapping options for custom DAFOs and Fast Fit products.

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News article: Ankle-Foot Bracing for Young Athletes

November 6, 2014

Published in the April 2008 edition of O&P Edge.

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Article: A treatment plan for idiopathic walking

April 27, 2015

A Dafo Dynamic article by Susan Steindorf, MSPT, NDT, offering her strategy for treating idiopathic toe walking.

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Article: Catch that Wave

June 18, 2015

A Dafo Dynamic article by Susan Witter and Debra Huntsman-Lannom, PT. Debra enlisted a professional surfer to use surfing therapy for children with mobility challenges.

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Article: Multiple Presentations and Therapy Goals

June 26, 2015

A Dafo Dynamic article by Vicki Schwartz, PT and Loretta Sheldon, COA. A prime example how external circumstances can play a critical role in the brace selection process for multiple presentations.

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Article: A Personal Odyssey

June 29, 2015

A Dafo Dynamic article by Raina Emma Angelina Hubbard, written as a 10th grade English class assignment on relating Homer's "Odyssey" to her personal experience living with athetoid cerebral palsy.

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Letters | Hello from Peru

June 30, 2015

A Dafo Dynamic article letter from Jodee Fortner, MSPT, C/NDT about her trip to Peru for a physical and occupational therapy project.

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Article: Tibial Varum: Recognizing its presence and accommodating it in bracing

July 13, 2015

When bracing isn't working and the source of the trouble is hard to trace, tibial varum may be something to consider.

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DAFO R: Product Sheet

November 29, 2016

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO R.

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DAFO TurboH: Order Form

September 25, 2018

Order form for the DAFO TurboH. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO TurboH Softy: Order Form

September 25, 2018

Order form for DAFO TurboH Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO TurboH: Product Sheet

October 4, 2018

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO TurboH

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DAFO TurboH Softy: Product Sheet

October 4, 2018

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO TurboH Softy

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K3 Knee Brace: Order Form

June 25, 2019

Order form for the K3 Knee. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand.

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DAFO Softback: Order Form

June 25, 2019

Order form for DAFO Softback. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Softback Softy: Order Form

June 25, 2019

Order form for DAFO Softback Softy. May be completed electronically or printed and filled out by hand. Must be sent in with the patient's cast or uploaded with your digital scan through the e-order system at https://orders.cascadedafo.com

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DAFO Softback: Product Sheet

June 25, 2019

Detailed product information and patient indications for the DAFO Softback.

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DAFO Softback Softy: Product Sheet

June 25, 2019

Detailed product information and patient indications for the Softy Softback Softy.

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K3 Knee Brace: Product Sheet

June 25, 2019

Detailed product information and patient indications for the K3 Knee.

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Scanning the Outside of a Cast

December 16, 2019

Step-by-step instructions for scanning the outside of a cast to order DAFOs

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Adjusting Distal Trim Lines

January 14, 2020

Step-by-step instruction how to adjust distal trim lines for length, medial and lateral sides.

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Removable Stretching Straps

January 3, 2023

Overview of the different removable stretching strap options.

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