Keep Moving Forward with O&P News and Information

The O&P field is constantly changing and improving.  Check here frequently for news on the latest technological advances and innovations.  In addition, read about our staff and clients in the news and join the larger Gulf Coast O&P “family” in celebrating together our friends’ inspiring milestones, achievements and success.

Our First Step newsletter for doctors, therapists and clients

For our medical colleagues, we also post our O&P newsletter, First Step—both the current and archived issues, here. If you’d like to receive First Step by mail or need more information about any of the stories covered here or in the newsletter, please contact us.

Issue No. 18	Issue No. 17	Issue No. 16

Current issue

Issue No. 19 – Lower-limb Prosthetic Sockets and Suspension - 2012

Issues Archive

• Issue No. 18 -- Breakthroughs in Upper-Limb Prosthetics- 2011
• Issue No. 17 – What is Prosthetics? What Is Orthotics? - 2011
• Issue No. 16 – Fabrication: How Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices Are Made - 2010
• Issue No. 15 – Recreational Prostheses, Knee Disarticulation Limbs - 2010
• Issue No. 14 – The iLIMB hand, Prosthetic Cosmetic Finishing - 2010
• Issue No. 13 – The Prosthetic Process: From Amputation to Ambulation - 2009
• Issue No. 12 – Vacuum Prosthetic Socket Suspension - 2009
• Issue No. 11 – ‘Smart’ Prosthetic Knee Systems - 2009
• Issue No. 10 – Amazing Amputee Athletes, Sports Prostheses - 2007
• Issue No. 9 – The Prosthetic Hi-Tech Explosion - 2007
• Issue No. 8 – Custom vs. Pre-Fab Braces - 2006
• Issue No. 7 – Early Prosthetic Management - 2006
• Issue No. 6 – Above-Knee Prosthetic Systems - 2006
• Issue No. 5 – Spinal Bracing - 2005
• Issue No. 4 – Upper Limb Prostheses - 2005
• Issue No. 3 – O&P Care for the Diabetic Patient - 2005
• Issue No. 2 – Prosthetic Foot Innovations - 2004
• Issue No. 1 – Pediatric Prostheses - Phantom Limb Pain - 2004

 

Gulf Coast clients do some amazing things!

T. J. Stecker

Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade T. J. Stecker has been a client of Gulf Coast Orthotics and Prosthetics since 2009 after a traumatic boat accident necessitated amputation of his left leg several inches below the knee.  At the time, T. J. was in training at NAS Pensacola to become a Naval Flight Officer.  Though his flying had to be put on hold throughout his rehabilitation in Pensacola and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, this young officer was not to be deterred. 
Insert photo: T.J. Stecker running

"Steve and crew at Gulf Coast O&P were fantastic!  Thanks again for all your help... I couldn't have done it without Gulf Coast O&P's excellent care."  -- T. J. Stecker

At Gulf Coast O&P we worked closely with T. J. as his prosthetic demands increased throughout his rehab and are proud to have helped him earn his Navy Wings of Gold.  He has become a life-long friend of our company.  T. J. is currently stationed in Hawaii and deploys to operational sites around the world. 

For more on T.J.'s inspiring story, click this link:
http://archives.gosportpensacola.com/gosport-08-06-2010.pdf

Brad Jordan

Brad is a legendary Mississippi Delta Blues musician who can be found around the Gulf Coast most weekends playing shows at area clubs, bars and venues.  He came to us following amputation of his right leg above the knee in 2009 and has been a Gulf Coast O&P client ever since.  Brad has returned to his passion since his rehabilitation and shows no signs of letting his amputation slow him down.

“Thanks Gulf Coast for all your help. Steve even came to the set one day during filming! Thanks again.”  -- Brad Jordan

Brad recently completed filming a full-length movie, “Uncle Bob's Leg,” in which he plays the title character.  We congratulate Brad on his ongoing success and the movie and are proud to have been able to help him return to his musical career.

Check out the video of "One Legged Man," a song featured in the film.

Get more information about “Uncle Bob's Leg,”

Rusty Plenkers

Rusty has been a Gulf Coast O&P client since 2001.  He suffered a traumatic below-knee amputation of his left leg at age 18 but has been an inspiration to all of us as we have helped him with his prosthetic needs.  Over the years we have seen Rusty achieve the physically demanding qualification as a United States Soccer Federation “A” license soccer coach.  He also completed pilot training and now flies his plane all over the country.

We applaud Rusty's astounding achievements.  Please click on the following link for a segment on Rusty featured on the U.S Youth Soccer Show.  His segment begins about 8½ minutes into the program.