Heat Moldable Arch Support Orthotic

A heat molded thermoplastic orthotic blank shell from Atlas Biomechanics allows the practitioner to mold an orthotic directly to the patient's foot without having to cast or send out to a lab. Atlas Biomechanics eliminates the middleman, you produce a more accurate orthotic device and receive greater profit. Our heat moldable orthotic blank is billable under code L3030. The orthotic blank is completely moldable from a heat gun in about 2 minutes. Direct molding to the patient's foot can be accomplished either partial or full weight bearing. You control the fabrication process, not the lab. The thin profile (1.3mm) will fit in most shoes, including flats, heels, gym shoes, ski boots and hockey skates. Its 4-degree rear foot post allows for greater control and stability. www.atlasbiomechanics.com

Two Styles
Dress Arch Support for flats, dress shoes and loafers
Athletic Arch Support for sneakers, gym shoes

Sizing the Orthotic Blank to the Foot

Rather than go by the shoe size, it is better to hold the orthotic blank directly to the foot.
Fit the orthotic just proximal to the metatarsal heads and just a little (1-2mm) behind of the heel.
After deciding which blank to use, hold it directly to the foot.
Do not fit the blank while the patient is standing on the blank.
Dorsiflex the hallux (big toe) to see if the metatarsal head clears the end of the orthotic.


Heating the Orthotic Blank

There are 3 Ways to Heat the Blank
1) Purchase a heat gun (not a hairdryer) and heat resistant gloves at any hardware store.
Place the blank on a surface that will not burn from heat.
Hold the heat gun 1cm (1/2 inch) away from the blank.
Slowly move the heat gun up and down the blank.
Do not stop moving the heat gun ( you will melt the orthotic).
The average time is about 1.5-2 minutes.
Wearing heat resistant gloves you may push the arch to check for softness.
If it is still stiff, reheat for 10-15 seconds.

2) Boil water and turn off heat.
Wait 1 minute and then place the orthotic blank in the hot water.
Let the orthotic blank sit in the water for 1 minute.
Using a heat-resistant gloves place the orthotic under the shoe's insole.
Step into the shoe and press down for 2 minutes to mold the orthotic to your foot
3) Atlas Biomechanics also recommends using a toaster oven at 200 degrees.



Molding the Orthotic Blank to the Foot

You can mold the blank either as Subtalar Neutral or Calcaneal Resting Position, or a combo of each.
You can mold the blank while sitting, standing in a shoe (ski boot, ice skate, golf shoe or ballet flats) or on
a pillow.
Do not mold directly to the foot. Use a heat protector such as a towel, double socks or the shoe's insole.
Make sure the rear of the orthotic is not too far forward on the foot.
Make sure the medial side of the orthotic covers the arch entirely.
Either hold the foot in Subtalar Joint Neutral or Calcaneal Resting Position and have the patient press firmly down.
If molding directly in a gym shoe, use the insole as the heat protector. Place the orthotic under the insole and have the patient press down.
After the patient has molded the orthotic, place it in their shoes. It is most comfortable under the insole.


Teri Green

Atlas Biomechanics