Blog- News Updates - LEWis Brand

Bringing Healthcare Professionals Together: Our Inaugural Networking Event

Coffee, Cake and Connections

Friday 16th January marked an exciting milestone as Laura Aggett Director and lead orthotist at LEWis Brand Orthotics, alongside Sian Midwinter from Midwinter Physio, hosted our first healthcare professionals networking event — and what a fantastic morning it was.

Healthcare professionals from across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire came together to connect, have a coffee and cake, share insight and begin building strong professional relationships. We are also extremely grateful to Laura Asplin and Joint Operations Ltd, who kindly sponsored the event and supported the delivery of the morning.

From the outset, the atmosphere reflected exactly what we had hoped to create — open, collaborative and focused on improving outcomes for the people we support.

Why we created this event

Across healthcare, we know that the very best client outcomes are achieved when professionals work together rather than in isolation.

However, opportunities for meaningful, health-focused networking — where clinicians, therapists and rehabilitation teams can genuinely understand one another’s roles — are increasingly limited.

At LEWis Brand Orthotics and Midwinter Physio, we share a strong belief in the importance of multi-disciplinary working across the entire rehabilitation pathway.

Whether you are a consultant, GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, case manager, orthotist, therapy assistant or rehabilitation assistant, every role plays a vital part in helping clients to:

reach their functional potential
maintain momentum through rehabilitation
set new goals and continue progressing with confidence

These events were created to provide a space where professionals can better understand each other’s expertise, strengthen referral pathways and build trusted relationships that ultimately improve continuity of care.

A morning of meaningful connection

The room was alive with conversation around:

specialist clinical expertise and scope of practice
shared challenges across acute, community and private settings
referral pathways and collaborative care planning
opportunities for joint working across disciplines

What stood out most was the openness and willingness to engage — professionals taking time to listen, learn and explore how working together more effectively can directly benefit clients.

This is exactly the kind of collaboration that strengthens rehabilitation outcomes.

Our vision for the future

This inaugural event marks the beginning of a long-term vision.

Our aim is to grow these sessions into the place for healthcare professionals to meet locally — a trusted environment where long-standing professional relationships are formed and multi-disciplinary working is actively encouraged.

Future events will include:

guest speakers from across healthcare and rehabilitation
topic-led discussions relevant to referrers and MDT teams
continued opportunities to build strong, reliable referral networks

Join us at the next event – 17th April 2026

Our next healthcare professionals networking event will take place on 17th April 2026, and tickets are now live. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-cake-and-connections-for-health-care-professionals-tickets-1981846120095?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you are involved in client care at any stage of the rehabilitation journey — from diagnosis and treatment planning through to functional recovery and long-term management — this event is designed for you.

👉 Secure your place and join a growing community of healthcare professionals committed to collaborative working and improved client outcomes.

Thank you

We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making our first event such a success. The energy, engagement and quality of discussion confirmed that there is a strong appetite for better professional connection within our local healthcare community.

We look forward to welcoming both new and returning professionals in April — and to continuing to build a network that truly supports collaborative rehabilitation and long-term client success.

The role of knee bracing in the management of osteoarthritis knee pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder that causes the breakdown of cartilage in the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality. This progressive condition can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we understand the complexities of OA knee degeneration and offer a range of tailored solutions, including knee bracing and we have a network of clinicians we can refer on to for injection therapies, to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Pain and Functional Limitations

OA in the knee manifests primarily as pain, which can vary from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating discomfort. This pain often worsens with activity and eases with rest. Additionally, patients may experience swelling, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. These symptoms can severely limit a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, from walking and climbing stairs to sitting and standing.

The Role of Knee Bracing

Knee brace designs of unloading mechanism

Knee bracing is a vital component of managing OA, particularly in unloading the affected compartment of the knee. At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we offer various brace designs tailored to different activity levels, pain thresholds, and specific needs.

Semi Rigid Brace Designs: These braces are ideal for clients with more sedentary lifestyles. They provide gentle offloading through a soft pull mechanism, offering support without restricting movement. These braces are comfortable and less bulky, making them suitable for individuals who may not engage in intense physical activities but still need relief from OA symptoms.
Rigid Push Braces: For clients with physically demanding jobs, such as builders and landscapers, rigid push braces offer the highest level of support. These braces work by providing a strong counterforce to unload the knee, making them ideal for individuals who need to perform heavy lifting or prolonged standing. The rigid design ensures stability and durability, catering to the demanding nature of these professions.
Single Upright 3-Point Force Braces: Designed for sporty, physically active, and able clients, these braces utilise a pull system often through BOA adjustable straps. The 3-point force mechanism helps to effectively unload the knee’s affected compartment, allowing for greater mobility and reduced pain during activities. These braces are robust yet flexible, providing the necessary support for those who engage in regular exercise or sports.

Often our clients will benefit from other treatments for knee osteoarthritis alongside the knee brace we provide at LEWis BRAND Orthotics. Some of this additional therapies may include:

Injection Therapies

Alongside knee bracing, injection therapies can play a significant role in managing OA symptoms. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and pain, offering additional relief to patients. Whilst we don’t offer this service at LEWis BRAND Orthotics we have good links with Proactive Physio and Pilates and other health professionals who offer these services and can refer clients on for this treatment if it is clinically indicated to help manage symptoms. Common injection therapies include:

Corticosteroid Injections

Steroid injections (also known as corticosteroid injections) are types of anti-inflammatory medicines. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions.

Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Administering corticosteroids through joint or muscle injections has the potential to alleviate inflammation in the targeted area, subsequently diminishing pain and stiffness.

In the context of pain relief, steroids are commonly paired with a local anesthetic, Lidocaine. This combination ensures not only the long-term anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids but also provides immediate pain relief that typically lasts for a few hours.

OSTENIL® injections

OSTENIL® is a treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can be used in the knee, or in any of the other joints in the body that are classified as ‘synovial’ such as shoulders, toes, elbows and more

What is OSTENIL^® (sodium hyaluronate)?

Sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan) is a natural substance. It is present in the body wherever moisture is stored or lubrication between layers of tissue is required to eliminate friction.

Effects of OSTENIL^® :

An injection of sodium hyaluronate increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid, restoring its lubricating, shock-absorbing and filtering properties
In addition, it re-establishes the protective coating of hyaluronan over the inner surface of the joint and increases the scavenging of free radicals
As a result of these changes, sodium hyaluronate reduces inflammation of the synovial membrane

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is an emerging, non-invasive treatment option for managing osteoarthritis knee pain, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods. This therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. By delivering targeted pulses to the affected area, shockwave therapy promotes increased blood flow, reduces inflammation, and encourages the regeneration of damaged cartilage and tissues. Patients often experience significant relief from symptoms after a series of sessions, with minimal side effects, this is another treatment that we recognise the benefits of for our clients and will make an onward referral to another allied health professional practice offering this service when clinically indicated for our clients. As a complement to other treatments such as exercise, bracing, and medication, shockwave therapy provides an innovative way to improve mobility and enhance quality of life for those living with knee osteoarthritis.

Personalised Care at LEWis BRAND Orthotics

At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we spend time understanding each client’s unique needs to ensure the right product is selected. We consider activity levels, pain severity, hand function, and visual expectations when recommending a knee brace. Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that not only manage symptoms but also enhance our clients’ overall quality of life.

By combining advanced knee bracing with onward referral for other complimentary treatments, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing OA knee degeneration. Our expertise and dedication to personalised care mean that clients receive the best possible support for their specific condition and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis knee degeneration can be debilitating, but with the right management strategies, it is possible to maintain an active and fulfilling life. At LEWis BRAND Orthotics, we offer a range of knee braces, advice on strengthening exercises and footwear to help manage symptoms and allow a return to activity. We frequently refer on to other professionals for injection therapies and shockwave treatment. All of these treatments can be used in combination to achieve maximum unload of the affected compartment, reduce pain, and improve functionality. Our commitment to personalised care ensures that each client receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their needs. Whether you lead a sedentary lifestyle, are an active sports enthusiast, or have a physically demanding job, we have the right solution to help you manage your OA symptoms and improve your quality of life.

There is an extensive range of manufacture companies producing different designs of knee brace all using the same basic design principals discussed above so we can explore various styles and suppliers to find the optimal product for each individual client. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about how knee bracing might help manage your symptoms better.

Further learning

Enovis have also create a brilliant document for clients suffering with osteoarthritis changes to there knee, this document covers exercises that can be done to help strengthen the knee as well as more information on a few of the brace designs they produce. https://www.lewisbrand.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/OA-Patient-Brochure-with-exercises-included.pdf

Transitioning to Heidi: An exciting step into the future

Heidi will enhance efficiency and accuracy in clinical note-keeping. In the fast-paced environment of clinical practice, maintaining accurate and comprehensive notes is really important. To streamline this critical aspect, we have recently transitioned to using Heidi, a cutting-edge clinical note-keeping tool designed to enhance our efficiency and ensure nothing is missed in our documentation.

The decision to adopt Heidi was driven by our commitment to embrace new technologies, thereby giving us greater capacity to focus on client care. This integration allows us to consolidate our workflows and further improve the accessibility and organisation of patient information.

One of the key benefits of Heidi is its ability to collect all patient information in one accessible platform. This means that clinicians can quickly retrieve and update patient records, ensuring that every piece of relevant information is captured in real-time.
Heidi’s advanced features, such as customisable templates and intuitive navigation, make it easier for clinicians to document patient interactions thoroughly and efficiently. The tool’s intelligent prompts and checklists help ensure that no critical information is overlooked, enhancing the quality and completeness of our records. This comprehensive documentation supports better clinical decision-making and improves patient outcomes. Heidi is a secure cloud-based system ensuring that patient data is protected while being readily available to authorised personnel from any location. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for our multi-site clinics.
The integration with Clinkio, our existing online notes and booking software, ensures that our scheduling and documentation processes are more synchronised. This seamless connection enables us to manage appointments and clinical notes within a unified system, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall efficiency of our operations.

Is Heidi safe? Heidi is designed with the highest security standards and complies with all relevant regulations, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). These stringent regulatory compliances ensure that all patient information is stored and managed securely, maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. By adhering to these regulations, Heidi provides a safe and trustworthy environment for our clinical documentation needs.

The transition to Heidi has been a significant step forward in our commitment to providing exceptional care. By improving the efficiency of our clinical note-keeping and integrating smoothly with Clinkio, we can offer our patients a higher standard of service and ensure that our documentation is always thorough and up-to-date. As we continue to integrate Heidi into our daily operations, we look forward to realising even more benefits and setting new benchmarks in patient care.

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics: More than Just Foot Support

The Power Of Bespoke Orthotics: Why An Insole Assessment With LEWis Brand Orthotics Makes A Difference

When people hear the word orthotics, many still think of simple arch supports or generic insoles picked up off the shelf. At LEWis Brand Orthotics, we know orthotics are so much more than that — and our clients’ feedback consistently reflects the difference that a truly bespoke, clinically led approach can make.

More Than Support — It Starts with Understanding You

Every insole assessment with LEWis Brand Orthotics begins with listening. Our clients often tell us how valued they feel during their appointments, because we take time to understand not only foot posture, but the whole person. Pain history, activity levels, lifestyle demands, previous treatments and long-term goals all shape our clinical decision-making.

Using detailed biomechanical assessment, gait analysis and clinical examination, we identify how the feet influence alignment further up the body. Many clients arrive with knee pain, hip discomfort or persistent lower back issues — and are surprised to learn that their symptoms may stem from the way their feet function.

Improving Alignment, Reducing Pain

One of the most common themes in our Google reviews is relief — relief from pain that had previously limited daily life. Poor foot mechanics can create a chain reaction through the knees, hips and spine. Bespoke orthotic insoles help optimise alignment, reduce abnormal loading and support more efficient movement patterns. Over time, this can significantly reduce pain and fatigue, and improve confidence in movement.

Performance, Comfort and Confidence

For active clients, from recreational walkers to athletes, custom orthotics can be transformative. Our insoles are designed to work with your body, improving stability, shock absorption and efficiency. Clients frequently comment on improved comfort, reduced niggles and the confidence to return to activities they enjoy.

Unlike generic insoles, our orthotics are individually designed, manufactured and adjusted based on clinical findings. Comfort matters — but so does function. That’s why our approach combines both.

Long-Term Care, Not a Quick Fix

We pride ourselves on long-standing relationships with our clients. Follow-up care, reviews and refinements are built into our service, ensuring your orthotics continue to meet your needs as your body changes. Many clients highlight our professionalism, experience and attention to detail — and the reassurance of knowing their care is in expert hands.

An Investment in Your Health

Investing in a bespoke insole assessment is an investment in your mobility, comfort and long-term health. With extensive clinical experience, first-class manufacturing partners and consistently excellent outcomes, LEWis Brand Orthotics offers a service designed to make a meaningful difference.

If you’re looking for expert-led orthotic care that puts you at the centre of every decision, we’d love to help you take the next step.