Now Fitting Bionic Arms in Denver: Meet Elise Dreiling, CPO

At the Open Bionics clinic patients meet Elise Dreiling, a clinician who blends art, science, and empathy to make the prosthetic experience deeply personal and empowering.

“I’ve always been artistic but also loved math and science,” she said. “Prosthetics was the one field where those worlds came together. It’s healthcare that’s also creative, hands-on, and deeply personal.”

Elise discovered prosthetics through a family friend, and her passion for both artistry and problem-solving led her to specialize in upper-limb care. Now serving as the Open Bionics U.S. Clinical Director, she focuses on giving every patient time, attention, and confidence.

“My approach is simple,” Elise said. “I talk to patients the same way I talk to friends and family. There’s no jargon or acronyms. I want them to feel heard and included in every decision.”

That patient-centered approach sets the tone for her clinic. “Traditional care can feel rushed,” she said. “We slow down, take our time, and make sure every question is answered. That’s why people travel from other states to see us.”

Elise is also known for her dedication to helping patients navigate insurance. “A denial isn’t the end,” she said. “It’s the start of us fighting together. I review the insurer’s policy, update their outdated research, and show why our patients qualify.”

Her thorough approach has helped many gain access to technology that changes lives. “We’ve succeeded in about half of our appeals,” she said. “That’s half of the people who might have walked with a prosthesis that is not their first choice if they had gone somewhere else.”

The Lakewood clinic serves patients from across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and Arizona. “It’s a very active and hardworking community,” Elise said. “We see ranchers, farmers, and people who depend on their prosthetics to work. Advocacy is a big part of what we do.”

A typical first visit begins with a virtual consultation to review goals, insurance, and the technology. The first in-person appointment focuses on casting and muscle testing, followed by a second visit for fitting. “That’s when the excitement really hits,” Elise said. “Seeing someone move their new hand for the first time is incredible.”

Even small details matter. “We greet everyone by name,” she said. “It’s a small touch, but it makes people feel valued and comfortable.”

The Open Bionics Colorado clinic is located off 6th Avenue and Simms in Lakewood, across from St. Anthony Hospital and near the Federal Center Station light rail stop. Free and accessible parking is available on-site.

Looking ahead, Elise hopes to expand care nationwide. “My goal is to keep growing by opening more clinics and training more clinicians,” she said. “The more we expand, the more people we can help with personalized care.”

The Open Bionics Colorado clinic provides patients across the Mountain West with advanced bionic technology and compassionate care. Each appointment is free, every device is custom-built, and all are backed by a three-year warranty.

Book your free consultation at the Open Bionics Lakewood clinic and experience the future of bionics with personalized prosthetic care.