Neuro-Integrative Functional Rehabilitation And
Habilitation (NEURO-IFRAH®) is an approach originated by Waleed Al-Oboudi,
MOT, OTR/L. Mr. Al-Oboudi is renowned internationally for his
superior concepts and highly effective and unmatched clinical skills. The unique
name of the approach was originated by the author to give an overall idea to the
reader regarding the scope of this approach. The word Neuro was selected
because this approach is intended for patients who are affected by lesions at
the level of the brain stem and above. The word Integrative was selected to
describe that this approach is integrative on all levels. It is integrative of
all systems of the person as well as all information past and present. It is
integrative of all internal as well as external variables and combinations and
products of these variables affecting patient response, normal or otherwise. It
is integrative and inclusive of fields of study as well as bodies of
information. It is integrative in terms of variables related to therapists, the
rehabilitation team, rehabilitation programs, facilities, home, community, and
other environmental variables…..It is integrative at all these levels and much
more. The word Functional means meets
intended purpose or need, thus the word functional was selected because this
approach is functional. All aspects of rehabilitation and habilitation are
individualized to meet the patient's intended purpose or need. The words
Rehabilitation and Habilitation were selected because this is what we do in
therapy. It encompasses many aspects of therapy, thus there is no reason to find
other words. One aspect of rehabilitation is to restore to the fullest physical,
mental, social, vocational, and economic status - thus rehabilitation is not limited.
However, our patients are not only re-acquiring skills, they are learning new
ones as well. Thus Habilitation occurs throughout alongside with rehabilitation.
The powerful words used in the name of the approach gives a
small glimpse of the wide scope of this truly dynamic, highly individualized,
whole person, functional, inclusive, and visionary approach.
- What makes the courses superior and
unmatched?
Many aspects…….some examples are: The content, from
theoretical aspects to the practical labs. Even in the small percentage where it
may appear that it overlaps with other courses, the depth and detail
provided sets even that small percentage apart. The overall content is unmatched
because there is nothing like it in terms of depth, vision, and effectiveness.
The superiority of any approach is based on the effectiveness in application.
Waleed Al-Oboudi is renowned for his clinical skills that are highly effective
and in a class of its own. The philosophy and vision forwarded by this approach
clearly demonstrates the role of therapist in healthcare to serve humanity and
the impact our actions have on civilization overall.
- There is
so much information out there. Where do I start?
First of all, it is important to note that ideas/approaches are
intended to serve therapists who in turn serve patients. In our opinion, approaches that are not inclusive limit
therapists and lead to destructive tendencies in healthcare, including self-serving competition and conflicts between team members and disciplines. Whatever
helps the patient progress and elevates the status of healthcare is welcomed.
The standard to evaluate the effectiveness of any approach is the results you
get on patients. That could be a simple guide for the team. There is a lot of
theory that is not backed by effective practical application. Being effective is
not an all or none phenomena. One can be effective and yield positive results
but the results and degree of effectiveness in terms of time and amount can be
enhanced with another approach. Thus in reading any book it is true that one can
not judge a book by its cover but you can effectively judge the approach by the
results and depth demonstrated in the patient case studies and demonstrations.
Thus in summary theory amounts to only words that are not impressive if the
results are not convincing in the application.
- Is there research for Neuro-IFRAH®?
Research is underway in many aspects for Neuro-IFRAH®. Many
concepts are built on principles learned in physical and occupational therapy in
terms of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, normal biomechanics in a variety of
functional and activities, i.e. gait, body mechanics, joint protection, etc., which
are in themselves topics that are researched. Neuro-IFRAH® has so many aspects,
from handling to orthotics and tools that have been extremely effective in
yielding positive results in resolving patient impairments and improving
function as demonstrated on patients nationally in every course and as reported
by clinicians throughout the nation. In addition the Neuro-IFRAH® Organization
has perhaps the largest library documenting patient treatment programs and
progress over various time spans. This collection has been most impressive to
therapists nationally and internationally. Steps for research are underway and
information will be available to the public at a later date.
The unique approach of using video to document all research
vs. reporting done by the researcher is an important part of research that will
be made available to the public in the future.
You must order your orthosis
or therapy aid using the prepayment method and seek to get reimbursement from your
insurance company utilizing
the invoice we provide you upon delivery.
For custom orders we will provide you
with an estimate prior to processing your order so you can contact your
insurance company and confirm whether or not they will reimburse you.
When we ship the product we will enclose an
invoice marked “paid”. The invoice will list insurance codes on it (if no
5-digit codes are starting with an "L" are on the invoice, then most likely
there will be no insurance reimbursement). You will then need to submit this invoice,
along with a prescription with a diagnosis on it from your physician for the
item, to your
insurance company. If you wish to call your insurance company prior to
ordering to inquire about reimbursement, see the link "insurance codes".
If the item is not on that list, there is no insurance code and thus there will
most likely be no reimbursement.
You can request a letter of necessity from
your therapist or Physician. We can not make any claim as to the medical
necessity of a product for you. This must come from either your doctor or
your therapist to the insurance company.
-
What if a prefabricated small, medium,
large, or extra-large does not
look like it will fit? What should I do?
The person ordering the orthotic should go
by the measurement tool provided on the website. The measurement chart on
the website provides specific parameters for each size. We can not
guarantee that the size you chose is the correct size for the patient. Small
adjustments can be made by the treating Therapist and we strongly recommend that
any minor adjustment be made only by a Physical therapist or Occupational
Therapist.
You have the option to order a
semi-custom orthotic for an additional $100, or a custom fit orthotic.
For ordering information for
custom orthotics go to the Custom Orthotics link on the home page, and for
semi-custom, use the Prefabricated/Semi-Custom Orthotics and Therapy Aids link.
- Is
a custom orthotic a better choice than a prefabricated or semi-custom orthotic?
If
your patient does not fall within specified measurements for prefabricated or
semi-custom units,
then a custom orthotic may be the better choice. A custom orthotic is
specifically designed for your patient. It may cost more but it is custom made
to fit and is highly individualized.
- My
facility has a contract only with certain vendors. Can your orthotics be
provided by our authorized vendor, or do we have to go through KineMedic
Concepts?
We can make arrangements with certain vendors providing that
they contact us and sign specific agreements regarding confidentiality and
intellectual property.
- What
is your Return/Repair Policy?
Unused therapy aids and prefabricated
orthotics may be exchanged for a different size within 30 days of delivery;
however, the customer is responsible for return postage. We will pay the return
postage only if the return is a result of our error.
There is a one year warranty on the body of each
orthotic. If the body of the orthotic breaks due to workmanship within one
year from date of purchase we will repair or replace (at our discretion) the
unit at no charge to you. You are responsible for any shipping cost associated with shipping the item back to KineMedic
Concepts. All straps and fasteners are warranted for a period of three
months from date of purchase. If any straps or fasteners of the orthotic
break due to workmanship within three months from date of purchase, we will
replace the broken strap or fastener on the unit at no charge to you except shipping
the item back to us.
We cannot
accept returns of any custom or semi-custom orthotics, other than for
repairs as outlined above.
In addition, we will not
exchange requests for certain items including:
Any
item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery.
Any
item that is not in its original condition, is damaged, or is missing parts.
- How long will it take to receive my refund?
If your order was
originally paid for with a credit card or debit card, allow 2-4 weeks from the
time your return is received for your account to be credited. If you paid by
check or money order, allow 3-4 weeks for your refund check to arrive.
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