TurtleBrace AFO Belfast: Now Available at Bull Orthotics
We are pleased to now offer the TurtleBrace, a lightweight, remouldable and water-friendly ankle-foot orthosis, to patients across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Moulded to you at your appointment and adjustable as your needs change. Fitted by HCPC registered orthotist Jonathan Bull at our East Belfast clinic.
What is the TurtleBrace?
The TurtleBrace is an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) built from layers of multi-perforated, low-temperature thermoplastic and microfibre fabric. It is designed as an “apply and forget” brace: comfortable to wear, quick to fit and simple for patients and carers to use.
Unlike a conventional AFO that is fabricated in a workshop from a cast, the TurtleBrace is gently heated and moulded directly to your limb during your appointment. If swelling, muscle tone or range of movement changes, it can be reshaped again without losing its qualities.
Key Features
- Moulded to your limb in a single appointment, then left to set
- Can be remoulded multiple times as your needs change
- Lightweight, perforated and breathable
- Water-friendly, suitable for pool therapy and showering
- Zip or strap closure options
- Paediatric and adult ankle versions (other TurtleBrace items on request)
When Is the TurtleBrace a Good Choice?
The TurtleBrace is particularly useful for:
- Serial casting alternatives, including after Botox injections
- Spasticity and contracture management
- Night splinting to maintain ankle range of movement
- Post-stroke support during early recovery
- Ankle neuropathy and foot drop
- Post-operative immobilisation, including Achilles tendon repairs
- Stable fractures, sprains and tendonitis
- Patients whose swelling or tone fluctuates
Pricing
- TurtleBrace Paediatric Ankle: £350
- TurtleBrace Adult Ankle: £440
- Other TurtleBrace items available on request
An Honest Note on Long-Term Use
The TurtleBrace is not intended as a permanent, all-day AFO. If your drop foot is long-term, we will talk you through custom, carbon fibre or TurboMed options. The TurtleBrace can still work alongside these as a night or bridging brace.
Who Can the TurtleBrace Help?
Cerebral Palsy
A flexible option for children, including serial casting after Botox, and for night splinting to protect hard-won range of movement. Read about cerebral palsy orthotics.
Stroke & Drop Foot
Targeted ankle support in early recovery while muscle tone is changing and a long-term AFO decision is still being made. Read about stroke and drop foot.
Spasticity & Contracture
Adjustable support that adapts to changes in muscle tone, helping with stretching programmes and contracture management.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Quick, comfortable immobilisation following tendon repairs, fractures or other procedures where swelling will change over time.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
1. Assessment and Ordering
Jonathan will assess your walking, ankle range of movement and muscle tone, and talk through your goals to confirm the TurtleBrace is the right option for you or your child. We do not hold TurtleBrace stock, so your brace is ordered in for your moulding appointment.
2. Moulding and Fitting
The brace is gently heated and moulded to your limb. Most patients find it very comfortable once moulded. It then needs to set, so it should be left for a few hours before you walk on it. We will tell you exactly how long before you leave.
3. Wearing Advice
You will receive a clear wearing schedule, skin checks and care advice, including how to dry the brace after water use.
4. Follow-Up and Remoulding
As swelling, tone or range of movement changes, we can remould or adjust the brace at follow-up appointments, with no need to start again.
TurtleBrace Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TurtleBrace?
The TurtleBrace is a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis made from layers of multi-perforated low-temperature thermoplastic and microfibre fabric. Because the material can be gently heated and reshaped, the brace can be moulded to your limb in a single appointment and remoulded later if your needs change.
How is it different from a standard custom AFO?
A custom plastic or carbon fibre AFO is fabricated from a cast or scan and takes 1-2 weeks. The TurtleBrace is moulded directly to you at the appointment and can be adjusted again as swelling, muscle tone or range of movement changes. It is a flexible option for short- to medium-term needs, whereas a custom AFO is usually the better choice for long-term daily use.
Can I wear it in the shower or pool?
The material is water-friendly and perforated, so it can be used during pool therapy and showering. We will advise you on drying and skin care at your fitting.
Is the TurtleBrace suitable for children?
Yes. We offer a paediatric ankle version, and the TurtleBrace is widely used for serial casting after Botox injections in children with cerebral palsy. We will assess whether it is the right option for your child.
Is it a long-term replacement for my AFO?
Not usually. The manufacturer does not recommend the TurtleBrace for long-term AFO use. If you need permanent daily bracing for drop foot we will discuss a custom AFO, carbon fibre AFO or TurboMed stock AFO instead. The TurtleBrace can still be a valuable bridging or night option.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. We offer direct access, so you can book online or call 07727061400. Many patients are also referred by physiotherapists, consultants or other healthcare professionals, and we are happy to liaise with your wider team.
How much does the TurtleBrace cost?
The TurtleBrace Paediatric Ankle is £350 and the Adult Ankle is £440. Other TurtleBrace items are available on request. See our pricing page for our other AFO options.
Can I walk on it straight after my appointment?
No. After moulding, the brace needs to set before you put weight on it, so it should be left for a few hours before use. Most patients find it very comfortable once it has set. We will give you clear instructions at your appointment.
Do you keep the TurtleBrace in stock?
Not currently. We order your brace in once we have confirmed it is suitable, ready for your moulding appointment. Other TurtleBrace items are available on request, so please ask if you need something not listed.
Interested in the TurtleBrace?
Book an assessment at our East Belfast clinic on Holywood Road, with free parking and no GP referral needed. We will help you decide whether the TurtleBrace or another AFO is right for you.
Call: 07727061400
Email: info@bullorthotics.com