Greetings from Virginia Beach! At Open Bionics, we know that each patient’s experience is unique. It’s our goal to understand the emotional and physical needs of all our patients, to customize their experience, and to determine how our technology can best help them reach their goals. This is why we’re excited to have a new clinic in Virginia Beach, so more patients have the space to consult, learn, and try the latest bionic technologies we have to offer.
The first step in your journey is to register on our website. Once registered, a member of our team will reach out to ensure we have the right technology solution for you. We’ll set up a video call with our in-house prosthetist so they can answer your questions. If funding support is required, you’ll be directed to our funding support team! We’re going to support you through every step of your journey.
If you choose the Open Bionics clinic in Virginia Beach, you will be guaranteed to get our tech for the lowest possible cost available. During your free consultation, we will go over your prosthetic needs and go through social, medical, and prosthetic history to get a better understanding of your goals and how you think the bionic tech will impact your life. Also our expert prosthetist will assess your limb presentation, determine muscle sites for the MyoPods to read your muscle signals and then place the trial kit on your arm. These are all non-invasive practices that will allow you to get an idea of how a Hero PRO or Hero RGD or Hero Arm would work.
Originally from Seattle, Paul began his medical career in 1998 with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. After earning his Associate’s degree, he trained and served as an Army medic, continuing into field nursing. While in the reserves, he earned a specialized degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics from the University of Washington’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine. He became an American Board Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist after completing both residencies.
Paul, his wife, and their two daughters love the outdoors—enjoying hiking, paddling, boating, and sports in the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads areas. He’s also active in the community, supporting local patient groups and charities. Internationally, Paul has built prosthetics and braces in Haiti with Physicians for Peace and volunteers with the Range of Motion Project.
At your 1st appointment, our prosthetist will do a demo trial which will allow you to practise muscle contractions needed to open and close the hand. Once we find the best muscle sites to place the MyoPods and you have had plenty of time to practice, we will get measurements of your limb and a scan or a cast to begin making a Hero FLEX liner that fits you perfectly!
At your next appointment, we’ll check that the socket is a perfect fit and that you can undertake a number of activities while wearing it. We’ll note any changes or pressure points that need to be adjusted in the final bionic hand. We’ll also make sure there is adequate suspension so the final Hero Arm or Hero PRO or Hero RGD stays on your arm comfortably while giving you a good range of motion. Once we have the optimal fit, you’ll use the trial kit again to further practice the muscle contractions, and we’ll test the final length to make sure it looks good and you are happy with it!
Your final appointment will be the day you get to take home your bionic arm! We’ll assess the overall fit and make any minor adjustments as needed. We’ll also go through a training session to make sure you understand how to operate the bionic hand and ensure it’s functioning properly. We’ll also go through any movements and tasks you’d like to achieve. After the final delivery, we offer remote follow up appointments. These can be used as additional training sessions or to answer any questions that may come up. If further adjustments are needed after the final fitting, we’ll also offer in-person adjustment and follow up appointments if you prefer. We suggest having the first remote video follow-up about one month after you take the bionic arm home.
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