Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

At the practice of Dr. Brian Waterman, we believe that comprehensive orthopedic care extends beyond the operating room or clinic visit. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) plays an essential role in supporting recovery, restoring function, and optimizing outcomes for patients recovering from sports-related injuries and orthopedic procedures.

What Is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?

Durable Medical Equipment refers to medically necessary devices designed for long-term or short-term use in managing orthopedic conditions. These items are prescribed to aid in rehabilitation, reduce pain, promote mobility, and protect healing tissues after injury or surgery.

Common examples of orthopedic DME include:

• Knee braces and unloading orthoses for ligament injuries or osteoarthritis
• Shoulder slings and immobilizers following rotator cuff repair or shoulder stabilization
• Walking boots and ankle braces for sprains, fractures, or Achilles injuries
• Cryotherapy units to control post-operative pain and swelling
• Crutches, walkers, and canes for assisted mobility during recovery
• Functional bracing for return-to-sport protocols after ligament reconstruction

The Role of DME in Sports Medicine

Whether you’re a high school athlete, weekend warrior, or elite competitor, DME is often an integral part of your orthopedic treatment plan. For many sports injuries, especially those involving ligaments, tendons, or joints, DME is used to:

• Protect surgical repairs or healing tissues
• Limit or control joint movement during early recovery
• Provide support during gradual return to activity
• Reduce the risk of re-injury

Dr. Waterman and his team carefully select DME based on each patient’s specific diagnosis, sport demands, and recovery phase. This personalized approach ensures optimal comfort, compliance, and performance during rehabilitation.

What to Expect

If DME is recommended as part of your treatment plan, our clinical team will:

• Provide a thorough fitting and usage instruction
• Educate you on proper care and duration of use
• Coordinate with insurance providers to verify coverage
• Offer guidance on follow-up and weaning schedules

In some cases, advanced bracing or post-operative support equipment may be ordered through trusted medical suppliers. Our staff will help streamline this process to avoid delays in care.

Product Recommendations

Knee Sleeve

Reparel™ Knee Sleeve is a superior option as part of a non-surgical knee pain therapy plan for acute and chronic inflammatory conditions of the knee. It may alleviate symptoms commonly associated with osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, tendinitis, and repetitive stress injuries.

Buy Now

Insurance and Coverage

Many DME items are covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary. Our staff will assist in handling documentation and pre-authorization when needed. For uncovered items or optional equipment, we’ll review alternatives that balance cost and clinical benefit.

If you have questions about a specific piece of equipment or how DME may be used in your recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. At Dr. Brian Waterman’s practice, we are committed to helping every patient return to their active lifestyle safely, confidently, and with the support they need.