Welcome to our educational guide on neck braces, wrist braces, hand splints, and ankle foot braces (AFOs) for ALS. Here you will find trusted information, helpful tips, and expert video clips. Braces, also known as orthoses, can help you stay safe, conserve energy, and experience less pain and discomfort.
We would like to thank the following ALS professionals for sharing their expertise to help shape and review the content of this guide:
- Your ALS Braces Guide features video clips of Reese Evans, a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) at Hanger Clinic. Over the past 30 years, Reese has fitted hundreds of ALS patients with neck braces, hand and wrist braces and splints, and AFOs.
- As an occupational therapist at the Duke ALS Clinic, Melissa Werz has treated hundreds of people living with ALS. She evaluates them for braces, develops stretching and exercise programs, conducts driving evaluations, and assists with safety and function during meaningful activities. Melissa has a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.
- Laura Good Kennedy is a Board-Certified Neurological Clinical Specialist with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree who works at the Duke ALS Clinic. Laura assesses people with ALS for AFOs, neck braces, wheelchairs, and assistive devices. She also develops exercise programs and educates people on strategies to help maintain their mobility.
