Getting a bionic arm is a significant milestone. Prosthetic arm fitting shapes everything that follows: how confidently a user wears the device, how accurately the electrodes detect muscle signals, and whether the arm becomes a natural part of daily life or sits in a drawer. At Open Bionics, the Perfect Fit Promise exists to protect that process. Every Hero Arm, Hero PRO, and Hero RGD user receives dedicated fitting time, clinical support, and adjustment windows so the device feels secure and comfortable from day one.
The prosthetic socket is the point of contact between a user and their device. Clinical research consistently identifies socket fit as the primary factor in whether a prosthesis gets used at all. A device that is uncomfortable, poorly suspended, or unreliable in its signal detection will be abandoned regardless of its technical specification.
Emily Shannon, a clinical prosthetist at the Open Bionics clinic in Orlando, Florida, said the two non-negotiables at every fitting are comfort and suspension. “If it is not comfortable, they are not going to use it,” she said. “If it does not stay on, it is not practical.”
“
“If it is not comfortable, they are not going to use it. If it does not stay on, it is not practical.”
”
Jonah Rhymer, a certified prosthetist at the Open Bionics clinic in Chicago, Illinois, works from the same principle. “Ultimately that is my objective with everything I do,” he said. “If the fit is not accurate, the prosthesis is not going to work at all.”
Every Hero PRO or Hero RGD delivered directly through an Open Bionics clinic includes a socket fitting service with a 60-day fit guarantee. That guarantee sits within a three-year HeroCare coverage program that also covers manufacturing faults, optional annual servicing, customer support, and prosthetic training with an Open Bionics clinician. There are no hidden costs.
The 60-day window is intentional. Residual limbs change in the weeks following a new fitting, particularly for users who are building up wear time or returning to higher activity levels. Volume fluctuations are common, and a socket that fits well on delivery day may need adjustment as the limb settles. The Perfect Fit Promise gives users the clinical access to address that without hesitation.
Jonah said a successful fit at delivery meets three specific criteria. “Is the prosthesis suspending, is it not causing any irritations, and if we remove it, is there going to be redness or discomfort that does not go away while they are in the office,” he said. “To me that hits it.”
“
“Is the prosthesis suspending, is it not causing any irritations, and if we remove it, is there going to be redness or discomfort that does not go away while they are in the office. To me that hits it.”
”
Emily said her evaluation at fittings extends well beyond socket geometry. She considers the practical realities of long-term use, including how easily a user will be able to put the arm on and take it off independently. “Fit is one thing, but there are a lot of other elements,” she said. “For some people, ease of donning and doffing can make or break whether the outcome is successful.”
That level of evaluation is only possible when the clinician has deep familiarity with the specific device being fitted. Emily said that familiarity is one of the structural advantages of coming directly to an Open Bionics clinic. “We are very familiar with the material properties of the end product,” she said. “At the test socket fitting, I explain what you are trying on today and how the real one will behave. We know how the choices we make in the fitting translate into the final socket.”
Open Bionics designs and manufactures the Hero PRO. That distinction matters in a clinical context. Prosthetists at Open Bionics clinics fit these specific devices every day. They understand the socket materials, the electrode placement requirements, the way the flexible inner behaves over time, and the relationship between test socket decisions and the finished build. That knowledge is not transferable to a general prosthetics clinic in the same way.
“
“At the test socket fitting I explain what you are trying on today and how the real one will behave. We know how the choices we make in the fitting translate into the final socket.”
”
The manufacturing process also gives Open Bionics clinicians more flexibility when adjustments are needed. Traditional prosthetic sockets are fabricated using methods that often require a full remake when the fit needs significant changes. Open Bionics uses 3D-printed flexible inners and digital designs that allow for more targeted modifications. Jonah said this is a meaningful clinical advantage.
With a 3D-printed system, he explained, it is possible to adjust the flexible inner in a controlled, global way rather than starting from scratch. For a user whose limb volume changes during the first months of wear, that flexibility translates directly into faster, more precise resolution when something needs to change.
The Perfect Fit Promise is the front end of the wider HeroCare support program. When a patient receives a Hero PRO directly from Open Bionics, the same integrated team that designed and built the device is responsible for fitting it, training the user, and supporting them through any issues that arise over three years of coverage.
That continuity is clinically significant. The first few weeks of prosthetic arm fitting shape long-term adoption. A comfortable socket encourages consistent wear, faster myoelectric learning, and better functional outcomes. A poorly fitting socket slows that progress and can create frustration that is difficult to reverse. The Perfect Fit Promise protects the time and clinical attention needed to get the foundational fit right.
It also removes a common barrier. Many users hesitate to return for adjustments because they are unsure whether their concerns are significant enough to warrant an appointment, or because they worry about cost. The guarantee removes both of those hesitations during the most important phase of the journey.
The fitting process at an Open Bionics clinic follows three appointments: an initial evaluation, a test socket fitting, and a delivery appointment. Each stage builds on the last. By the time the finished device is delivered, the clinician has a detailed picture of how the residual limb behaves, where the electrode sites sit most reliably, and what adjustments the socket may need over time.
After delivery, the 60-day fit guarantee means users can return for adjustments without hesitation. The HeroCare program then continues that support for three years, covering the device against manufacturing faults and providing access to annual servicing and ongoing clinical guidance.
If you are considering a Hero Arm, Hero PRO, or Hero RGD, coming directly to an Open Bionics clinic means your device is designed, fitted, and supported by the team that knows it best. To find out what your first weeks with a new bionic arm would look like, book a free consultation with your nearest Open Bionics clinic.
Many people living with an upper limb difference are surprised to learn that advanced bionic technology may be covered by Medicare and private insurance. There is often an assumption that a high tech prosthetic device must be paid for out of pocket. In reality, coverage is frequently available when the device is expected to improve daily function, independence, and long term joint health.
The Hero PRO is our fully wireless, water resistant, lightweight bionic arm. It is designed to support real world activities from cooking and working to lifting and driving. When a myoelectric prosthesis can help someone move more efficiently, reduce strain on their sound side, and perform meaningful daily tasks, Medicare may consider it medically necessary.
Coverage decisions are based on a careful clinical review of your goals, documentation from your care team, your ability to operate a myoelectric system, and the expected improvement in your day to day activities. This process is not guesswork. It is a structured evaluation led by certified prosthetists who understand how to present your case clearly and accurately.
Private insurance plans also approve advanced myoelectric devices. Even when an initial claim is denied, more than half of the cases we support move forward successfully on appeal with strong clinical documentation. Many people give up too early simply because they do not have the right team guiding them through the process.
Our certified prosthetists handle everything from your first evaluation to insurance submission and appeals. You are never left to navigate paperwork on your own. If you are unsure what your benefits allow, the best first step is a free consultation.
If you currently use a prosthetic device, including an older myoelectric system, you may qualify for an upgrade. Medicare often considers replacement after three to five years of use, especially if your goals, activity level, or physical condition has changed.
Over time, many people develop shoulder pain, tendon strain, or back discomfort from years of compensating with one side of their body. A modern bionic arm can redistribute load, improve symmetry, and reduce overuse injuries. If your current device no longer matches your lifestyle, it may be time to review your options.
Real stories help make the process feel less abstract. Many of our users have successfully received approval through Medicare and returned to activities they had adjusted or avoided for years.
At 72, Mary decided to explore advanced bionic technology for the first time. Her Hero PRO was approved through Medicare with no out of pocket costs. She now quilts, rows with improved bilateral coordination, and uses a fork and knife to cut her food more comfortably.
The lightweight design and breathable socket allow her to wear her arm throughout the day.
“Now both shoulder blades are working at the same time,” Mary shared. “I’m noticing that my back is not bothering me as much already. It’s exciting.”
“
“Now both shoulder blades are working at the same time. I’m noticing that my back is not bothering me as much already. It’s exciting.”
”
Years of one-handed compensation left Leonard facing shoulder surgery and chronic pain. His overuse injuries had progressed to the point where he needed assistance just to hold a cup safely and bring it to his mouth.
After Medicare approval, Leonard began using his Hero PRO to redistribute loads across both sides of his body. The hand’s grip strength and articulating wrist allow him to securely hold objects, prepare meals, and complete like drinking water that previously strained his shoulder.
“This is the first time it feels like both sides of my body can actually work together,” Leonard said.
“
“This is the first time it feels like both sides of my body can actually work together.”
”
After decades of compensating with one arm, Wade developed chronic shoulder pain and tendon strain. His Hero PRO was approved through Medicare to help reduce overuse stress and protect long-term joint health.
With fully wireless myoelectric control and durable, water-resistant design, Wade performs tasks with greater ease and less physical strain.
“I couldn’t keep doing everything with one hand. I needed something that could actually help me with the things I do every day,” Wade said.
“
“I couldn’t keep doing everything with one hand. I needed something that could actually help me with the things I do every day.”
”
If you are considering a bionic arm through Medicare, commercial insurance, or as an upgrade, the most important step is a conversation. Every situation is different. Your goals matter. Your lifestyle matters. Your long term health matters.
At Open Bionics, our clinics focus exclusively on upper limb prosthetics. We guide you through evaluation, fitting, documentation, insurance submission, and follow up care. You can start with a video call or visit a local clinic to see and try the technology in person.
You do not have to guess whether you qualify. Let us review your situation and help you understand what may be possible. Book a free clinical demo today.
How breathability, durability, adjustability, and peace of mind are driving Hero Flex adoption for clinicians and their upper-limb patients
As a certified prosthetist, you’ve probably heard a story like this before. The patient had already made up his mind before he took his old socket off for the last time. It was headed for the closet.
Mike had spent years working in the Texas heat, climbing ladders, and crawling one-handed through attics with heavy tools. He had tried to make previous myoelectric prostheses work in those environments, but heat and sweat took their toll.
“You put your arm in different positions and it gets no contact with the sensors,” Mike said. “You are in a hot attic trying to wire something up, and it just stops.”
After long days on the job, his old socket would shift, his skin would get irritated, and myoelectric control could become unreliable. Over time, he stopped trusting the device at work.
When Mike visited our Open Bionics clinic, he was looking for an option that could hold up in the conditions he worked in every day.
“
“I would have sweat pouring down my arm. I needed a wireless, waterproof, and breathable socket that I could wear all day.” – Mike T.
”
Versions of this story show up often in our clinical settings. The details change, but not the intent. Patients want a socket that stays comfortable, works reliably, and holds up in the environments they actually live and work in.
Hero Flex was developed over four years directly from that feedback. Patient experiences with heat buildup, sweat retention, inconsistent suspension, and skin irritation shaped the design priorities long before the socket reached production.
Sweat, Breathability, and Skin Health
For many patients, heat and moisture are the first failure point.
“The most common problems that the Hero Flex was designed to solve are the lack of breathability,” said Travis Heins, a certified prosthetist in our Austin, Texas clinic with a fabrication background. “Traditional sockets create a microclimate with much higher humidity and moisture than is comfortable, and that can cause skin breakdown. Because of that, wired electrodes tend not to work as well.”
He has recently seen several patients who switched to 3D-printed sockets after years in laminated, non-ventilated designs. Many had dealt with chronic rashes, recurrent skin irritation, or bacterial infections that forced time out of their prosthesis.
Another one of Travis’ patients, who works in the Texas heat as a professional Santa, described long days in a heavy coat.
“I would have sweat pouring down my arm,” he said. “I needed a wireless, waterproof, and breathable socket that I could wear all day.”
Hero Flex addresses this structurally with a removable flexible liner designed with vented flutes that channel heat and moisture away from the skin instead of trapping it. That airflow geometry is only possible through modern 3D printing, which allows consistent channel depth and spacing throughout the socket. The result is drier skin, more stable EMG contact, and longer, more comfortable wear time.
That comfort advantage is reflected in user feedback. In a year-long average of patient-reported outcomes, the 3D-printed flexible liner scored 9.2 out of 10 for comfort, reinforcing the clinical observation that breathable, flexible liners are more likely to be worn consistently throughout the day.
Lightweight Without Sacrificing Durability
For Mike, the durable and waterproof design changed how cautious he needed to be.
“This thing is great,” he said. “I can wash dishes with it or whatever. If I am out and about and it starts raining, I can keep it on. Before, I had to grab a plastic bag and cover up the arm because if it got wet, it was done.”
Traditional laminated sockets often increase in weight during fabrication as resin is added to strengthen the build and smooth the fit. That added weight can compound fatigue, especially for myoelectric hand users.
Hero Flex takes a different approach. The socket frame is printed using PA12 (Nylon 12), delivering structural strength without the weight, bulk, or variability of traditional laminated builds. PA12 offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, strong fatigue resistance, and excellent dimensional stability, allowing the socket to remain rigid where support is needed while still accommodating cutouts, venting, and modular features without compromising durability.
Unlike laminated composites, PA12 does not delaminate over time and is largely unaffected by moisture, sweat, or temperature changes. For clinicians, this means a socket that behaves predictably, can be digitally reproduced if needed, and supports precise, repeatable fits without relying on excess material to achieve strength.
Two years after losing his arm below the elbow, former blacksmith John Whitman was back in the gym with a different goal entirely. Fitted with a Hero Flex activity arm earlier this year, John began training three to four days a week toward a Guinness World Records attempt for the most weight lifted by bench press in one hour.
What made the difference was consistency. The lightweight, breathable socket allowed him to train for long sessions without heat buildup or suspension issues, while its stability under load meant he could focus on repetition rather than readjustment.
“It was a game changer,” John said. “Getting outdoors and the gym really felt like gaining a bit of old me back.”
For Ricky, a Louisiana farmer and construction worker, durability translated into confidence with heavier tools.
“From the other prosthetics we looked at, this one can pick up more weight,” Ricky said. “I got a chainsaw, and I have trees and fence lines I need to clear.”
Adjustability, Flexibility, and Day-to-Day Fit
Residual limbs change. Volume fluctuates. Traditional rigid sockets leave little margin for those realities.
“Lack of volume fluctuation accommodation is a big issue,” Travis said. “Traditional sockets are rigid. If you’re trying to grab up and above someone’s elbow with something fixed or minimally flexible, it becomes extremely difficult to put on if it’s tight enough to hold body weight.”
Hero Flex combines a flexible inner liner, an open-frame design, and a BOA tightening system that allows users to fine-tune suspension throughout the day. The system also accommodates MyoPod cutouts, giving clinicians flexibility in sensor placement and allowing users to self-select EMG depth as their limb changes.
“
“It was a game changer. Getting outdoors and the gym really felt like gaining a bit of old me back.” -John
”
If the fit ever needs adjustment due to significant volume change, the flexible inner liner can be reprinted from the original digital file without restarting the entire socket process. Clinicians can preserve suspension and alignment while making targeted adjustments, reducing remake risk, chair time, and patient downtime.
Adjustability mattered immediately to Mike.
“This one is adjustable. I really like that feature,” he said. “The other one made my arm swell up because it could not breathe, then I’d have to take it off.”
Emily Shannon, a certified prosthetist in the Orlando, Florida clinic, frames fit priorities simply.
“Comfort and suspension,” Emily said. “If it’s not comfortable, they’re not going to use it. If it doesn’t stay on, it’s not practical.”
She also highlights an often overlooked factor.
“Ease of donning and doffing,” she said. “Just because it looks and fits well once it’s in there, considering how someone can put it on independently could make or break whether it’s a successful outcome.”
For patients with more complex donning mechanics, Hero Flex can be fabricated with features like a pull-through hole to support independent use with donning sheaths.
Peace of Mind for Clinicians, Especially Without Central Fabrication
For CPOs, particularly those without central fabrication, upper-limb sockets can feel high-risk.
Hero Flex reduces that risk through reproducibility and post-delivery adjustability. Flexible inner liners can be modified or remade digitally. Global size changes can be requested without rebuilding the entire socket. Inner pads can be added to increase medial-lateral compression by about a quarter inch when needed.
“Striking the balance of the correct amount of tension proximal to the epicondyles is much more forgiving with our system because adjustability is built in,” Travis said.
For patients traveling long distances, that flexibility matters.
“For a fitting, I’ll preemptively print two or three or four test sockets knowing they traveled a long way,” Travis said. “I want to make sure we have something that works and don’t have to reschedule or ask them to take more time off and book another hotel.”
What ultimately separates Hero Flex from traditional sockets is not a single feature, but how the system behaves over time. Breathability protects skin health. Lightweight construction reduces fatigue. Adjustability absorbs daily and seasonal limb changes. Digital fabrication makes refinements predictable instead of disruptive.
As Travis puts it, the goal is not perfection on day one, but confidence that the socket will keep working as real life intervenes.
“You want it tight enough to suspend, but still comfortable,” he said. “The difference with Hero Flex is that you don’t have to get everything exactly right in one moment. You have room to adjust, to respond, and to keep refining over time without starting over. That takes a lot of pressure off the clinician, and it keeps patients wearing the socket instead of putting it in the closet.”
That combination of patient comfort and clinician confidence is why Hero Flex gets worn.
If your socket no longer fits the way it should, book a free consultation with an upper-limb specialist to try a Hero Flex.
We work with clinicians to support the best possible outcome. Connect with our team for training on our advanced bionic technology to know what’s available for your patients.
After more than five decades of living one-handed, Amy decided to explore a bionic arm for her congenital limb difference. The decision centered on protecting her body and continuing the life she had already built.
“I’ve grown up without an arm and adapted my whole life,” Amy said. “Recently, I started to feel the physical cost of doing everything one-handed. As I get older, I want to learn something new and use it before arthritis and overuse make that harder.”
Amy was born with a congenital right below-elbow limb difference, which doctors believe may have been caused by amniotic band syndrome. She learned early how to handle everyday tasks with one hand, from tying her shoes to typing at a desk. That independence supported a successful career, frequent work travel, and a demanding schedule.
Over time, the strain increased.
Amy’s dominant left side has carried the workload for decades. “I’m starting to feel it in my body, especially when I’m traveling, because I’m doing everything with my dominant side,” she said.
“
“I’ve grown up without an arm and adapted my whole life. Recently, I started to feel the physical cost of doing everything one-handed. As I get older, I want to learn something new and use it before arthritis and overuse make that harder.” -Amy
”
Travel plays a major role in Amy’s work. She oversees multiple facilities and spends significant time in airports. She adapted the same way she always had, though the tradeoffs became more noticeable.
“It was probably three years ago as I was traveling more. I always like to have my coffee when I’m traveling,” she said. “I had my bag, and it was really starting to affect my body because one side is doing everything.”
Switching to a rolling suitcase reduced some strain, though it introduced another limitation. “The rolling bag solved one issue, then I ran into the next,” Amy said. “I can’t hold a coffee. I have to choose.”
At work, the impact showed up in other ways. Amy types efficiently with one hand, though one-handed work requires constant reaching. “Even something as simple as typing, hitting ‘control,’ I’m stretching in a way that’s not natural,” she said. “That’s why I’m starting to feel more soreness in my muscles.”
Amy wanted to reduce wear on her body and maintain long-term mobility. “I want to be less one-sided and even things out,” she said.
Amy spent years researching before moving forward. “I first came across Open Bionics on LinkedIn. It showed up in my feed, and I’ve been following the company there since 2019,” she said.
While traveling for work, Amy scheduled a free consultation with Jonah Rhymer, certified prosthetist at our clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Seeing the technology in person mattered to her. “I’m hands down a ‘I want to see it, touch it, and know if it’s going to be a thing for me’ kind of person,” she said.
Her husband, James, attended the appointment. “It was important for me to be there, to help make sure we’re hearing everything and carrying it forward once we get home,” he said.
“
“I never felt pressured. It never felt like someone was trying to make a sale. The process was really quick and seamless. I felt like I got all the information I needed. I appreciated the check-ins and being asked where I was in the process.” -Amy
”
Amy was able to be fitted with her Hero PRO after verifying coverage through insurance and completing a clinical evaluation with her clinician. Her Hero PRO bionic arm is a multi-grip myoelectric prosthetic designed to support two-handed tasks and reduce long-term overuse. The wireless, water-resistant bionic arm supports daily function, precision control, and comfort.
James reflected on Amy’s earlier experience with prosthetics. “The old hook was hard on her shoulder,” he said. “This is different. It’s custom-made, and it feels a lot more natural.”
Amy’s goals focus on everyday tasks. She now travels without constant tradeoffs, types without reaching across her body, and distributes effort across both sides during daily activities.
Choosing a bionic arm can feel significant for someone who has lived one-handed for decades. Amy valued moving forward at her own pace. “I never felt pressured,” she said. “It never felt like someone was trying to make a sale. The process was really quick and seamless. I felt like I got all the information I needed. I appreciated the check-ins and being asked where I was in the process.”
Even with a positive experience, the emotions felt layered. “A lot of people were super excited for me, and I was more apprehensive, because I’ve lived with this my whole life,” Amy said. “With Jonah, I felt calm. He was willing to go at my pace.”
Amy’s story shows that independence does not require accepting long-term strain. For adults with a congenital limb difference, a modern bionic arm can help reduce overuse pain and support mobility over time, especially after years of one-handed living.
If you are experiencing daily compensations or exploring current options, the next step can begin with a conversation. Book a free consultation with an upper limb specialist to see if a Hero PRO bionic arm could help you reach your goals.
We work with clinicians to support the best possible outcome. Connect with our team for training on our advanced bionic technology to know what’s available for your patients.
After more than 20 years of using one-handed workarounds for daily life, Leonard found that his right shoulder had deteriorated to the point where he needed help with simple tasks like drinking water.
“Leonard desperately needed a prosthesis,” said Isabel Gonzalez, certified prosthetist at Open Bionics’ Charlotte, North Carolina, clinic. “His right shoulder is so worn out from compensating movements that he can’t lift a glass of water to his mouth anymore. To take a drink, Leonard had to grip the glass with his right hand, then use a prosthesis on his left arm to raise his right arm to his mouth.”
Leonard lost his left hand and forearm in a car tire explosion in 2005. He adapted quickly and remained independent, learning how to manage life with one hand. Now retired, he stays active, spending his days doing yard work, maintaining his home, and enjoying hobbies such as golf and competitive pool.
As nearly every bimanual task shifted to his right side, cooking, carrying groceries, dressing, and stabilizing objects all depended on his one sound arm. To make those tasks possible, Leonard twisted his torso, relied on his neck and back for leverage, and repeatedly overloaded the same joints and muscle groups. These compensatory movements became routine.
“
“You don’t really notice it at first. You just keep adjusting how you move until one day you realize everything hurts.” -Leonard
”
“You don’t really notice it at first,” Leonard said. “You just keep adjusting how you move until one day you realize everything hurts.”
Over time, those adjustments began to take a toll. Leonard developed chronic pain in his right shoulder, neck, and back and required physical therapy to manage the added strain. His right shoulder continued to deteriorate, eventually losing significant range of motion and strength. What began as discomfort progressed into a condition that limited his ability to lift, reach, or generate force.
“It wasn’t one big injury,” Leonard said. “It was years of doing things the wrong way because I didn’t have another option. I just wanted to be able to give my right shoulder a break,” he added. “And I was afraid to get the surgery I needed because I don’t have a left hand to rely on.”
The progression of his overuse injuries removed what had long been his primary source of independence. Leonard’s body-powered prosthesis relied on a harness and cable system operated by the sound-side shoulder. As that shoulder worsened, operating the device became physically impossible and increasingly painful. The harnessing system had caused discomfort even before his shoulder declined, and continuing to use it placed additional strain on an already damaged joint.
“If something hurts to wear, you stop wearing it,” Leonard said. “That’s just reality.”
Without a functional prosthesis, Leonard relied more heavily on compensatory movements, reinforcing the same patterns that contributed to his shoulder deterioration. Daily activities became increasingly difficult. Carrying groceries required planning and rest. Preparing meals felt unsafe. Eating in public became something Leonard avoided.
“I don’t want to ask for help cutting my food in public,” he said. “That part really gets to you.”
Without a prosthetic solution that reduced compensation, Leonard’s body was locked into a cycle of overuse. Continuing that cycle increased the risk of further injury to his shoulder, neck, back, and remaining upper extremity, especially as he approached the need for shoulder replacement surgery.
Leonard learned about Open Bionics through his son in Nashville and followed the technology for several years. When his shoulder reached a critical point, he scheduled an evaluation at the Open Bionics Charlotte clinic.
“
“This is the first time it feels like both sides of my body can actually work together” -Leonard
”
During the evaluation, Leonard was assessed for the Hero PRO, a multi-grip myoelectric bionic arm designed to restore bimanual function without relying on harnessing or sound-side shoulder movement. Trial testing showed that Leonard could produce strong, consistent muscle signals in his residual limb and independently control opening and closing movements of the hand.
Multi-grip myoelectric technology allows users to select different grip patterns and adjust grip strength using muscle contractions. These systems support tasks that require both strength and fine motor control, such as stabilizing food while cutting, pulling a golf cart, or holding a pool cue. Redistributing functional workload to the affected side reduces the compensatory strategies that led to Leonard’s overuse injuries.
“This is the first time it feels like both sides of my body can actually work together,” Leonard said after the delivery of his bionic arm.
Despite the clear clinical need, Leonard’s insurance initially denied coverage for the prosthesis. His clinician appealed the decision and was ultimately able to secure approval.
Without a functional left prosthesis, recovery from shoulder replacement surgery would likely require inpatient rehabilitation. Basic self-care tasks would be unsafe or impossible to perform independently, increasing both physical risk and cost of care. Leonard’s Hero PRO allows him to rely on his left side during recovery, reducing the need to overload his injured shoulder as it heals.
Leonard’s Hero PRO is a lightweight, durable, and water-resistant bionic arm designed to restore bimanual function without harnesses.
“He can finally have surgery on his ‘good side’ now that he has this prosthesis to rely on during his recovery,” Isabel said. “He intends for the Hero PRO to be his new ‘good side’ for now.”
Leonard’s Hero PRO includes a waterproof Hero Flex socket and a universal wrist connector that allows him to swap his bionic hand for activity attachments used for tasks such as golfing or playing pool. A Boa-style dial on the socket allows him to adjust the fit throughout the day as limb volume fluctuates. Consistent suspension supports comfort, control, and skin health, all of which influence daily wear time. Wear time plays a direct role in reducing compensatory movement, helping prevent a return to damaging overuse patterns.
“He’s also very good at playing pool with his prosthesis,” Isabel said.
Leonard’s goal is to protect his remaining shoulder, recover from surgery, and maintain independence as he ages.
“I’m not trying to do anything extraordinary,” Leonard said. “I just want to keep living my life without breaking something else.”
With his Hero PRO, Leonard no longer has to rely on one shoulder to carry the full weight of daily life.
If overuse injuries or a poorly fitting prosthesis are limiting your independence, a free consultation with a certified prosthetist can help determine whether a myoelectric bionic arm is the right next step. Schedule your consult to explore what’s possible.
English 
USA 
German