Custom Orthotics & Gait Analysis in Richmond Hill
Your feet, knees, hips and lower back are linked through how you move. At Union Health Network in Richmond Hill, Dr. Shahab Entezami, DC offers gait assessment and custom foot orthotics as a conservative option for selected biomechanical complaints. Orthotics are one part of an assessment-based plan — individual results and treatment needs vary.
Dr. Shahab Entezami, BSc, DC, CMAG
Doctor of Chiropractic · Union Health Network, Richmond Hill
Dr. Entezami is a licensed chiropractor in Ontario with a focused clinical interest in conservative musculoskeletal care, including gait-related complaints. He is a registered chiropractor with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
He offers gait assessment and custom orthotics as part of assessment-based care at Union Health Network in Richmond Hill.
Dr. Shahab Entezami is a registered chiropractor in Ontario and a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
Full profile, education & registrationCommon Reasons People Consider a Gait Assessment
You might consider an assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Foot, arch or heel discomfort such as plantar fasciitis-type pain
- Knee pain that worsens with walking, running or standing
- Shin splints or recurrent lower-leg discomfort with activity
- Flat feet or high arches contributing to discomfort
- Lower back or hip discomfort that may be linked to your gait
- Running or standing-related overuse pain
What a Gait Assessment May Involve
A first visit determines whether orthotics are appropriate for you:
- A history of your foot, leg and back symptoms and your activities
- Observation of your gait and foot posture in standing and walking
- Footwear review and guidance
- A movement screen of the hips, knees and ankles
- A discussion of whether custom orthotics, other conservative care, or referral is appropriate
How Orthotics Fit Into Your Care
Where appropriate, orthotics are combined with active care, not used alone. A plan may include:
- Custom foot orthotics prescribed from your assessment
- Footwear and gait guidance
- Exercises to strengthen the foot, hip and core
- Complementary chiropractic care where helpful
- A follow-up review of how the orthotics are working for you
When Orthotics Are Not the Right First Step
Orthotics are not right for every situation. We take a different approach or refer when:
- A suspected fracture or acute injury needs medical imaging or care
- There is severe swelling, redness or signs of infection — seek medical assessment
- Symptoms may be driven by a hip, knee or spinal issue needing other care first
- The diagnosis is unclear — further assessment or referral is appropriate
- Orthotics support comfort and function; they are not a guaranteed fix — outcomes vary
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit we take a history, observe how you stand and walk, and review your footwear. We explain our findings and whether orthotics are appropriate, or whether another approach fits better.
There is no obligation to proceed. Orthotics, when prescribed, are made to your assessment and reviewed for fit and comfort. Individual results vary.
No referral is needed. Patients come to us from Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Fees and What Your Assessment Includes
Current fees are confirmed when you book. Call us or email us and we will give you the exact fee for the appointment you need.
New Patient Examination
Confirmed when you book~45–60 minutes
- Health history and a review of your concerns and goals
- Physical, orthopedic, movement and, where relevant, neurological examination
- An explanation of the findings in plain language
- An individualized plan of care with options discussed
Treatment at the first visit: Treatment may be provided at the first visit when it is appropriate. This is decided during the visit and is not guaranteed.
Complex Case Examination
Confirmed when you bookLonger first assessment (approx. 60–75 minutes)
- Everything included in a new patient examination
- Extended time for multiple or long-standing concerns, prior surgery or several imaging reports
- Coordination of any further assessment or referral that may be needed
Treatment at the first visit: Availability is confirmed with the clinic before booking; treatment at the first visit only where appropriate.
Follow-up Chiropractic Visit
Confirmed when you bookConfirmed when your plan is agreed
- Treatment as agreed in your plan of care
- Reassessment of your progress and adjustment of the plan
- Exercise and self-management guidance
Treatment at the first visit: —
Complimentary Discovery Call
Complimentary~15 minutes
- A short, no-obligation conversation about your situation and whether an assessment is appropriate
Treatment at the first visit: No examination or treatment is provided on a discovery call.
Some services are charged separately from a standard visit — for example focused shockwave therapy or custom orthotics. Any separate charge is explained before the service is provided, and you can decide not to proceed.
Your assessment findings determine what is recommended. You can discuss the options, including cost, before starting any treatment.
Getting the exact fee for your appointment
Fees vary by appointment type and are confirmed before you commit to anything. Ask us directly:
Insurance & Direct Billing
We can submit claims directly to many extended health benefit plans, which means you may not have to pay up front. Direct billing depends on your insurer, your plan and your policy limits — we cannot guarantee that your plan qualifies, and reimbursement is always decided by your insurer.
Chiropractic care is not covered by OHIP. Most patients use employer-provided extended health care (EHC) benefits. It is worth checking your annual limit, your per-visit maximum and whether your plan asks for a referral before your first visit.
If your injury relates to a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury, please call us before booking so we can explain what information your claim needs — how a claim is handled depends on the claim itself.
Bring your insurance card to your first visit and we will do our best to bill directly where your plan supports it.
Getting to the Clinic
On-site parking is available. Enter through the main Yonge Street entrance and follow the signs to Unit 16.
If you have accessibility needs, please call us before your visit so we can help you plan it.
Hours can change — please call to confirm before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need custom orthotics?
Not everyone does. An assessment helps determine whether custom orthotics, over-the-counter supports, exercises, other care, or a referral is appropriate for you. Individual needs vary.
How long do orthotics last?
Lifespan varies with use, activity and the materials used. Orthotics are reviewed periodically for wear and continued fit.
Will orthotics fix my back pain?
Orthotics may help as one part of a broader plan for some people with gait-related back discomfort; they are not a guarantee of relief. Individual results vary, and back pain often requires a combined approach.
Are custom orthotics covered by insurance?
Custom orthotics are often covered under extended health benefit plans, sometimes with a physician or podiatry referral. Please confirm your coverage before your appointment.
Selected clinical sources
The clinical information above reflects general guidance. Care at our clinic is based on your individual assessment; individual results and treatment needs vary.
Ready to book?
New patients welcome — no referral needed. Inside Elite Medical Centre, Richmond Hill.
Unit 16, 9080 Yonge St · Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0Y7