A person uses a walking frame in a gym, with strength‑training machines visible in the background.

My Equipment, Aids and Orthotics

Equipment, aids, and orthotics (such as braces or splints) can help you or your child manage everyday activities more easily and safely.

These items are recommended by professionals and customised to your needs, supporting things like your movement, posture, strength and communication. You may find they help a lot with your overall comfort and independence. Some people may use them for a short time during recovery, while others may use them as part of longer-term support.

More about my equipment, aids and orthotics

Why you might need equipment, aids or orthotics

You might have a need for this support at any age. For children and young people, items such as walking aids, hearing aids, seating supports, splints, or adapted cutlery can help them grow in confidence and independence.

Meanwhile for adults, orthotics such as insoles, braces, or splints can help relieve discomfort, support alignment, and prevent further injury. Hearing aids and other assistive devices can also support communication, independence, and social connection. Overall the aim of equipment and orthotics is to help you – whether you’re a six or sixty – to be more independent and stay active in everyday life. When recommended by professionals, they can improve your comfort and help prevent problems from getting worse, while supporting your safety and dignity.

You may need equipment, aids or orthotics to help make everyday activities easier or safer.
For children and young people, they can support development and help them join in with school, play and daily activities. They may help with hearing, movement, balance, handwriting or sitting comfortably.

For adults, they can help manage long-term health conditions, move around safely, reduce pain, improve posture and make daily tasks easier. Often, equipment, aids and orthotics are recommended by health professionals to support your safety, independence, or comfort while other health issues are being treated.

You might need the support because of injuries like fractures or sprains, developmental differences, affecting movement or coordination (in children and young people). Joint instability or hypermobility (this can look like being “double jointed”). Conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as a stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Arthritis or joint wear over time, Muscle weakness, reduced stamina (getting tired quickly). Foot posture differences, such as flat feet or high arches, recovery after surgery, long-term pain or chronic health conditions, being able to move less due to illness or ageing and handwriting or coordination difficulties in children.

As a result you may need walking aids, braces or splints, special seating, daily living aids, hearing support, home adaptations, or exercise tools used during rehabilitation. Using aids or equipment can sometimes feel like a big change. It’s normal to have questions or mixed feelings. To get used to the change, children and young people might benefit from fun or play‑based use of aids, such as balance tools or writing supports. You can find more helpful information and resources further down this page.

Questions and answers

What are equipment and orthotics used for?

Equipment and orthotics can help make everyday activities easier and safer. The right equipment can help people move more confidently and comfortably, and rely less on physical support from others. Types of equipment, aids and orthotics include, mobility aids – walking frames, sticks, crutches, wheelchairs or supportive footwear can help people move around safely and with more confidence. Orthotics – Splints, braces, insoles, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or hand supports can improve alignment, support movement, reduce pain and help prevent joint problems like contractures. Posture and seating supports – Specialist chairs, cushions, wedges or seating systems can improve comfort, stability and safe positioning for children and adults. Daily living aids – Items such as grab rails, adapted cutlery, reachers or handwriting supports can make everyday activities like dressing, washing, eating or writing easier. Hearing support – Hearing aids, amplified phones, vibrating alarms or TV listening devices can help people hear more clearly and stay connected with others. Environmental adaptations – Changes to the home, school or workplace – such as bed rails, ramps or bathroom equipment – can improve safety and independence. Rehabilitation and exercise equipment – Tools such as resistance bands, therapy balls or exercise supports can help with strengthening, stretching and recovery.

Who might benefit from using equipment?

Are orthotics painful to wear?

Can equipment help reduce pain?

How often should equipment be reviewed?

Does using equipment make muscles weaker?

Can children use the same equipment as adults?

How do I know if I need orthotics?

Are home adaptations part of this service?

Do I need training to use the equipment?

What if the equipment isn’t helping?

Do hearing aids make a difference?