PROSTHETIC INNOVATIONS

Broomall Natives Change Lives Through Prosthetics

Our Community by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Tim Rayer

After Broomall native Tim Rayer graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1989, he was all set to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. He had already been working at one of Pat Croce’s local Physical Therapy offices and was studying Exercise and Sports Science at Penn State Brandywine. Tim was also on PSU Brandywine’s basketball team and when his teammate lost a leg due to Osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer), Tim’s career took a different turn.

Seeing my friend’s artificial limb had a huge impact on me,” said Tim. “I was fascinated.

Tim was so intrigued by the prosthetic that he shifted gears and decided to become a Certified Prosthetist. “Back in the 1990s, there wasn’t as much popularity in the area of prosthetics,” Tim explained. But Tim found an apprenticeship in a prosthetics practice and eventually completed his graduate work in Prosthetics at Newington Children’s Hospital and the University of Connecticut Medical School.

Meanwhile Tim’s older brother Mike had earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1993. The brothers shared an apartment together in Newtown Square and Tim began bringing some of his prosthetic limbs home to show Mike.

I could see Mike's mind spinning,” said Tim. “He was really interested in the mechanics and the technology of it.

With Mike’s interest now sparked in prosthetics too, he began coming into work with Tim to learn more. Ultimately, he completed his graduate education at the University of Connecticut Medical School and Newington Children’s Hospital and also became a Certified Prosthetist.

Tim Rayer with Army Sgt. Miles Kamson

The Rayer brothers honed their skills in prosthetics for a few years and eventually opened up Prosthetics Innovations, Inc. in 2006. Located in Eddystone, the company works with amputees in 30 states and nine countries, many of whom are military veterans. Their company provides innovative prosthetic care to amputees with permanent physical loss, specializing in highlevel below-knee (BK) and above-knee (AK), hip disarticulation, hemipelvectomy, above-elbow and shoulder disarticulation.

Mike’s focus is upper extremity prosthetics, while Tim specializes in the design and fit of complex polytrauma patients including trans-femoral (AK), hemipelvectomy, hip disarticulation and running prosthetics.

Mike also pioneers the program Team PROLIMB, which is dedicated to supporting amputees’ desire to resume their pre-injury activity level. Members compete in rigorous activities, including rock climbing, skiing and triathlons. Not only does this program provide encouragement, it also provides them with the mindset that there is a lifetime of opportunity.

Chris Dalmass, a third partner in the practice, is the clinical expert with pediatric clients, as well as difficult trans-femoral clients. Tim originally connected with Chris when he was with a competing prosthetic company in Philadelphia.

I was so impressed with his work," said Tim, "And he really aligned with our philosophy.

Mike Rayer with an upper extremity client

The Prosthetic Innovations team also includes prosthetic technicians and insurance specialists, as well as other administrative staff. They have also partnered with Drexel University’s cooperative education program.

These students are some of the best and brightest," said Tim, "And bring a great energy to our practice.

He also said he’d be remiss if he didn’t mention that his dad Tom also works part-time for the company. “As a Vietnam Vet, he’s an asset to have and shows support and understanding to the veterans that we work with,” he added.

What sets Prosthetic Innovations apart from competitors and large healthcare facilities is the fact that their staff sees the ‘big picture.’ “For us, simply following the ‘industry standard’ is not enough,” he said.

We have the capability to develop the absolute best possible prosthetic solution for each and every client. The goal for our clients is to return to a healthy and successful life.

For some clients that means they design activity-specific prosthetics. “When we first meet with clients we ask questions about what they want to do. Ride a bike? Swim? Walk down the aisle?” he explained. “Then we work as a team with doctors and therapists to set functional goals and formulate a plan for success.”

(L-R) Tom Rayer with Veterans Lou Namm and John O’Brien

Prosthetic Innovations is also known for their willingness to work with cutting-edge technology. Their engineers use 3-D printing and other state-of-the-art technologies to perfect the socket devices that connect amputated limbs to prosthetics. Their laboratory is in-house, which allows them to expedite the fit process, offer timely adjustments and do repairs when needed.

Tim and Mike grew up in Broomall with their parents and older brother. While Tim was a student at MNHS he played on the basketball team. Mike graduated from Germantown Academy, where he excelled in swimming, eventually competing in the Olympic Trials in 1988. The Rayer brothers were both drawn to the prosthetic profession for the same reason: the immediate impact on patients.

The true reward is helping people," said Tim. "That’s all we want to do!

For more information about Prosthetic Innovations visit www.ProLimb.com.