Firefly Orthoses launch new website

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Firefly Orthoses wish to present our new, innovative website. We’re delighted to bring you a digital resource designed to offer greater insight in to our product range. Central to the design of the new website is the quick and easy access to the resources of most value to Podiatrists.

Functionality

The new website is designed with the Podiatrist in mind, presenting Firefly’s range of custom made orthoses in an innovative format. By clicking on any image of our custom orthoses on the Products page, the Podiatrist is presented with a photographic image of the selected orthosis accompanied by a highly descriptive, exploded style illustration of the orthosis. To the right of the visual representations of each orthoses is found the Lab Standard Description of each product. This details the various materials that feature in the device, suitable device application, optional shell materials and the level of control the device offers.

Product display example

Product display

At Firefly we pride ourselves on how we provide support to our customers. Our Technical Support Department interact with Podiatrists across the UK and Ireland, on a daily basis, via phone and email. The website now offers Podiatrists direct access to our Technical Support staff through the contact form on the Technical Support page.

Education

Knowledge is power and at Firefly we want to empower visitors to our website with a wealth of Podiatric knowledge by accessing our Education section. Our new website presents all three of Firefly’s Podiatric Biomechanic Symposia alongside access to the A-Footprint Project newsletters and an extensive list of academic articles relevant to custom made orthoses and the wider field of Podiatry. We hope you enjoy browsing the new website and that it becomes a resource your turn to regularly.

Firefly Launch SOLS at Annual Conference in Harrogate

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We’ve returned to Firefly HQ after what was a wonderful trip to Harrogate for the College of Podiatry Annual Conference 2015.  At the event we launched SOLS, the 3D printed orthoses.  SOLS’ next generation technology is changing how Podiatrists prescribe orthotic devices. Firefly used the Conference as a platform from which to allow Podiatrists experience first-hand the process of prescribing SOLS orthotic devices using Apple’s IOS technology. In the weeks leading up to Conference, we let our customers know of our intention to launch SOLS and in doing so, SOLS was received excellently among the conference delegates. Across the duration of the event, Firefly introduced SOLS to hundreds of Podiatrists and gave 60 conference delegates their own complementary pair of SOLS to trial. Richard Ranky, SOLS Senior Biomechanics Engineer, flew in from New York and was on-hand to answer delegate’s queries regarding any technical aspects of the design and manufacture of the product. SOLS takes advantage of the functionality and user experience Apple’s software and hardware is renowned for, as the prescription process is fulfilled using an iPad or iPhone. Ian Lenehan from Total Podiatry, Kent was one of the many Podiatrists who availed of the chance to get a complementary pair of SOLS and trial the product. Ian features in the photos below along with Firefly’s Greg Gillanders, going through the process of prescribing SOLS orthoses.

SOLS by FIREFLY   

SOLS have two versions of their orthotic products: SOLS Rx and SOLS Flex. SOLS Rx are only attained when prescribed by a Podiatrist and allow for the devices to take additions and modifications to enable the clinician treat the patient’s condition. While SOLS Flex is a mass consumer orthotic device, designed to offer comfort while relieving fatigue. As Firefly are the exclusive distributor of SOLS Rx for the UK and Ireland we are your point of contact to find out more about how you can use SOLS in your clinic. If you wish to find out more, contact us via email, [email protected] and ask for more information about SOLS.

Christmas Rush Order Deadline

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With Christmas approaching, we wish to bring to your attention Firefly’s Christmas Rush Order deadline. The weeks leading up to Christmas are particularly busy for Firefly Orthoses Ltd. During this time we receive a higher quantity of orders, requesting they are processed before the festive holidays. With this in mind, to ensure continuity of service and to maintain excellence in the standard of our products, Monday December 7th is our deadline for the processing of rush orders. All rush order requests must be made no later than Monday December 7th. Firefly’s Orthoses will be closed on the following dates across the Christmas period:

  • Thursday December 24th
  • Friday December 25th
  • Monday December 28th
  • Friday January 1st

Experience SOLS Rx 3D Printed Orthoses at Harrogate

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With less than a week to the start of the College of Podiatry Annual Conference in Harrogate the excitement is really building at Firefly. We are excited to be launching the next generation orthotic to the UK market, SOLS Rx. SOLS Rx 3D printed orthoses are causing a stir as they seek to align Podiatry with state of the art 3D printing technology. We’re giving away complementary sets of SOLS Rx devices to delegates attending the conference in Harrogate*. To register your interest in availing of this offer and to experience these ground breaking orthoses follow this link and complete the short form. Harnessing the power of Apple’s iPad/iPod and related iOS technology, SOLS produce 3D printed orthoses by capturing photographic data of the patient’s foot and ankle. This data is then processed via SOLS software and sent to be 3D printed using laser sintering. As Firefly Orthoses launch this product into the UK, we are offering delegates attending the Harrogate conference the chance to experience SOLS for themselves. We will be demonstrating SOLS orthoses and also offering complementary pairs to conference delegates. We will be using the conference as an opportunity to demonstrate how the technology functions and how it can improve clinic efficiency. Once Firefly have gone through the data capture process with you at the conference, you will receive your unique 3D sintered orthoses in the post. In the weeks that follow Firefly will be in touch to find out about your experiences wearing SOLS 3D printed orthoses.

Hermitage Crowned T37 400m World Champion in Doha

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Briton, Georgie Hermitage has broken her own world record to become the T37 400m World Champion at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha. Wearing her Firefly Orthoses, Hermitage knocked nearly half a second from her previous best, crossing the line 62.01 seconds, almost 3 and a half second ahead of second-place finisher, France’s Mandy Francois-Elie. Hermitage’s form coming into the World Championships has been spectacular, this year alone she has broken the T37 400m World Record on three occasions. Hermitage had to deal with foot injuries in the lead-up to the Games, but showed no ill effect as she cruised home to take the world title. Speaking to the BBC after the win Hermitage said:

‘This is more than I could ever dreamed of, I never thought I would get a world record. Today was all about getting around and trying to win gold and make the point there is more in me’.

Georgie spoke to More4 about her delight at her achievement:

After already claiming a silver medal in the 100m event at the Championships, she’s now heading into winter training ahead of her next goal of competing at Rio 2016. Katrina Waller is the clinical lead at Compleet Feet, based in Sussex. It was here, as a patient of Katrina’s Georgie was prescribed Firefly Orthoses and wears her orthotic devices when competing.    Firefly Orthoses are proud to have played a small role in Georgie’s exceptional achievements and wish her every success in the future.

If you are a Podiatrist working with elite or hobby athletes who you believe can benefit from orthotic therapy, contact us on [email protected].

An evening with Forensic Podiatrist Haydn Kelly & author Peter James

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Event: An evening with crime fiction writer Peter James and Forensic Podiatrist Haydn Kelly: showcasing forensic podiatry. Venue: Plymouth University, Drake Circus Campus, Roland Levinksy Building. Date: 20th October, 2015. Firefly Orthoses is delighted to sponsor an evening with bestselling crime fiction writer Peter James and Forensic Podiatrist Haydn Kelly. The evening features as part of the Plymouth International Book Festival and is hosted by Plymouth University. Peter James will give an insight into how he developed his character Haydn Kelly. The real life Haydn Kelly will also be in attendance. Haydn is a graduate of Plymouth University where he qualified as a Podiatrist in the 1980s. Today Haydn is renowned for his work developing Forensic Gait Analysis. Haydn’s work came to wider prominence in the year 2000 when his forensic gait analysis was first used as admissible evidence in a criminal law case. Author Peter James will be on hand to answer questions about his writing and sign copies of his books, while Haydn Kelly will discuss his work as a Forensic Podiatrist. The evening begins at 6pm with drinks and canapés and will run until 8pm. The event is free to all, but places are limited. Registration is essential, follow this link to book a place. If you have any queries please email: [email protected]. Further information on the event can be found here.

SOLS, FIREFLY & THE FUTURE OF PODIATRY

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Technology, particularly mobile technology, is changing many aspects of our lives. Our shopping habits, how we access financial institutions and how we arrange travel have all changed in recent years thanks to technology. For the most part, technology has made the processes associated with these events and tasks more efficient. Why shouldn’t the practice of Podiatry benefit from the efficiency technology offers? Recently, on social media, questions were posed regarding technology and Podiatry. Are there mobile technology companies who are effecting Podiatry and what are the repercussions of this to the profession? Panel Graphic 8 An excellent example of one such company seeking to change how orthoses are prescribed is SOLS. SOLS harness Apple’s iOS technology and Apple’s iPhone and iPad hardware to capture foot and ankle data using photographic images as a means to create custom made orthoses. SOLS disruptive technology seeks to bring an end to the days of casting patient’s feet or the potential inaccuracies sometimes associated with foam box casting when making orthoses. But what will the long-term effects of such technology have on the Podiatry profession? This very question was asked by Podiatrist Ian Griffiths on Twitter (@Sports_Pod). Twitter Conversation I Griffiths In addressing Ian’s question, Firefly Orthoses’ founder and Medical Director Martin McGeough stated: ‘Firefly are actively influencing SOLS in partnering with podiatrists for the supply of their medical prescription product called SOLS RX. This custom made orthotic must be prescribed by podiatrists and is aiming to offer correction by incorporating rotations of the heel and forefoot. Certain features are currently limited and we are suggesting they add more, for example Lateral & Medial flanges etc. This is in progress. We launch this product at our annual podiatry conference in Harrogate. The data acquisition is high-tech and cool. The product is reasonable and improving weekly. Watch this space as it is interesting. However, I believe as a profession we must engage and influence these disruptive new high-tech companies who design and manufacture foot and ankle medical devices. No one does it better than our profession. Sometimes we are just too quiet about it! They have another product called SOLS flex which is a customised insole with no correction features. They sell this direct to the public. SOLS intend directing patients with more complex pathology to their database of podiatrists for their SOLS RX product range. We have influenced them to understand that a full history and physical must be completed prior to a diagnosis by a podiatrist. Then if appropriate orthotic therapy can commence combined with footwear advice and especially strength, flexibility and conditioning.’ Keep an eye on our website to stay up to date with Firefly’s launch of SOLS at the forthcoming College of Podiatry Conference 2015.

College of Podiatry Annual Conference 2015

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With 6 weeks until the Conference in Harrogate, we at Firefly Orthoses are busy preparing for the event. At this year’s conference, we intend to give you a state-of-the-art orthotic product to wear and trail. In the weeks that follow the conference, we will be in touch to hear how you are getting on with the product. We’re not going to give too much away right now, but keep a close eye on our website for news and updates to ensure you are involved. As always, our Twitter account will be active in the lead up to the conference.  Follow @FireflyOrthoses for all the latest news on our range of orthotic products and what to expect from Firefly Orthoses in Harrogate this year. If you have any questions about our products and services contact us via Twitter or for more technical questions and queries email us at i[email protected]. Our organisation is focused around the design and manufacture of custom made orthoses for the Podiatric profession. We produce orthoses to the highest laboratory standards using the best materials and technology to ensure you, the Podiatrist, achieve best patient outcomes. We also have exclusive partnerships with  providers of Podiatric related AFOs such as the Richie Brace.

Organisational Background

Firefly Orthoses was founded by Martin McGeough, over a decade ago. Martin is seen as an authoritative voice in the field of Podiatry. Over the years Firefly Orthoses has developed relationships with the NHS and private practitioners across the UK and Ireland supplying orthoses to both. You can find our full product range here. If you are a new customer or have never ordered with Firefly before but wish to find out more, you can access our new customer information here. Keep an eye on our website and Twitter account to keep up to date with all our Conference preparations in the weeks leading up to the event.

Richie Brace Dynamic Assist: Product Alteration Info

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The manufacturer of the Dynamic Assist Richie Brace has improved the device’s structure by altering the Tamarack hinge.

Click here to Order the improved Dynamic Assist Richie Brace using Firefly’s order form

Richie Brace Dynamic Assist

Instead of applying heat when forming the Tamarack hinge in the foot plate, the hinge will now be attached with an injection moulded mount.

 Richie Brace Dynamic Assist - New HingeRichie Brace - Dynamic Assist Original Hinge

New hinge with injection molded mount (left) with old heat Tamarack hinge (right).

 

The new mount holds the hinge more firmly in the footplate, creating a more dependable union between the footplate and the uprights. This new mount will also make it easier to convert a Tamarack hinge to a fixed or pivot articulation when necessary and improves the overall aesthetics of the brace. All Dynamic Assist braces put into production prior to September 21st, 2015 cannot be retrofitted with this new mount. If you have any queries regarding this change please contact us at [email protected]. Click here to Order the improved Dynamic Assist Richie Brace using Firefly’s order form

About the Dynamic Assist Richie Brace

The Dynamic Assist Richie Brace is a custom balanced foot orthotic.

Features:

  • 30mm heel cup
  • Anatomic ankle axis hinge placement
  • Semi-rigid lower limb supports
  • Custom contoured footplate attachment
  • Tamarack flexural ankle joints

Benefits:

  • Dynamic dorsiflexion-assist
  • Control of varus/valgus alignment of the foot
  • Pure, unrestricted sagittal ankle motion
  • Optimal shoe fit
  • Treatment Guide: Partial of complete Dropfoot

Brace can be used if patient has Adducto-Varus foot deformity, Diabetic Charcot deformity without severe equinus, and body weight over 14.28stone /200 lbs. Brace cannot be used if patient has Spasticity of plantar flexors or invertor muscle groups, moderate to severe weakness of pnatarflexors, severe Equinus, or an unstable knee.

Clinical Indications:

  • Post CVA (stroke)
  • Mild Muscular Dystrophy
  • Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
  • Post spinal cord surgery
  • Diabetic Neuropathy

SOLS, FIREFLY AND YOU: College of Podiatry Conference 2015

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Ahead of this year’s Conference in Harrogate, Firefly is delighted to announce we will be offering Podiatrists who attend the conference the opportunity to trail a pair of SOLS. Firefly Orthoses are exclusive distributors of SOLS for the UK and Ireland. SOLS 3D printed orthoses are causing a stir as they seek to align Podiatry with state of the art 3D printing technology. SOLS harnesses the power of Apple’s iPad/iPod and related iOS technology capturing photographic data of the patient’s foot and ankle. This data is then processed via SOLS software and sent to be 3D printed using laser sintering. At this year’s conference Firefly Orthoses will be seeking your opinion on SOLS. We will be using the conference as an opportunity to demonstrate how the technology works and how it can improve clinic efficiency. Once you have gone through the data capture process, you will receive your unique 3D sintered orthoses in the post. In the weeks that follow Firefly will be in touch with you to find out about your experiences of wearing SOLS. We’ll be asking what you like about the product and how you believe it may be improved. If you are interested in taking part, register your interest by emailing [email protected] We look forward to meeting you in Harrogate.