Gainesville Prosthetics

11/04/2025

Dogs contribute meaningfully to emotional wellbeing, and there is growing research supporting their role in mental health.

Companionship from dogs has been shown to help reduce stress, support emotional regulation, increase physical activity, and promote a sense of routine and connection. Their presence can also help lower cortisol levels and support the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and emotional comfort.

At Gainesville Prosthetics, we value that impact. That is why we share our space with Ziggy, Zeus, Willow, and Atari. Our previous four legged friends, Kio, Indie, Bubbles, Scarlett, Andy and Topaz, also played a meaningful part in creating a warm, welcoming environment over the years.

Whether offering quiet companionship, providing motivation during challenging moments, or simply being a source of calm, dogs help make daily moments feel more supported.

Research highlights that spending time with animals can improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help foster a sense of connection.

These are important components of mental health and overall wellbeing. It is always better with a dog, and we are grateful to have them here at Gainesville Prosthetics.

11/03/2025

Mobility technology is advancing quickly, and the Zeen is one example of a device designed to help people stay upright, active, and confident.

Unlike traditional mobility aids, the Zeen is designed to assist you using your own legs, helping you sit, stand, walk, or coast through your day while staying upright, supported and safe

With a simple lever squeeze, the Zeen’s assistive-lift system can support up to approximately 75% of body weight, helping users move from sitting to standing with improved control and stability.

Many individuals who have tried the Zeen report feeling more engaged in everyday activities. They describe being able to prepare meals at counter height, navigate outdoor paths without holding handles the entire time, and interact with family and friends at eye level, experiences that support a more natural and confident daily routine.

Key details:
• Approximate user weight range: 100 to 250 lbs (45 to 113 kg)
• Adjustable stand-over height: about 22 to 36 inches (61 to 89 cm)
• Dimensions in seated mode: about 33.5 in L × 25.2 in W × 36.8 in H
• Standing height extends to about 51.3 in
• Folds to approximately 11 inches wide for storage or transport

Information sources:
• gozeen.com
• abilities.com
• mymobilitystore.com
• livingspinal.com

This post is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with or sponsored by the manufacturer.

Meet Mark: an incredible Zeen user who transitioned from using a walking stick to using the Zeen mobility device.

From navigating his home more comfortably to attending public events and traveling across the country, the Zeen has helped Mark stay more active and engaged in his daily life. Whether he’s enjoying conversations at eye-level with friends or exploring his favorite hockey stadium, the Zeen has become Mark’s go-to mobility device.

The Zeen’s innovative design empowers Mark to…
🚶 Walk and coast upright while staying securely supported
🪑 Assistive lift technology supports up to 75% of his body weight during sit-to-stand transitions
🛑 Pause and rest at any time, with the option for caregiver assistance when desired
🛡️ Stay protected with built-in fall prevention features
😄 Enjoy conversations with loved ones at eye-level while standing or in barstool seating mode

If you’re looking for a mobility device that promotes independence while helping prevent falls, the Zeen might be a great fit for you.

📞 Call us at (833) 367‑9336 or email info@gozeen.com to speak with our specialist team and learn more about how the Zeen mobility device could transform your daily life!

11/01/2025

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from your Gainesville Prosthetics Family! 👻🎃

Whether you’re dressing up as a superhero, a spooky ghost, or just rocking your everyday amazing self ,we hope your day is filled with treats, laughter, and good company!

🦾✨ Remember, confidence is the best costume of all!

Stay safe, have fun, and don’t forget to show off those creative costumes

we’d love to see them! 🎭💜

10/28/2025

🌟 We’re now a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Approved Site!

This means we’re officially recognized to help patients through Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, which provides support for individuals with physical or medical challenges who want to return to work, pursue education, or gain independence.

Through this partnership, eligible patients can receive assistance with prosthetic and orthotic devices, assistive technology, and other rehabilitation services designed to help them reach their goals safely and confidently.

💡 What VR can do for you:
✔️ Help cover costs related to prosthetic or orthotic care
✔️ Provide assistive technology or workplace accommodations
✔️ Support training or employment goals
✔️ Connect you with professional rehabilitation counselors

📅 How to get started:
To apply or learn more, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your local VR office. They’ll help determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.

For more information about assistive technology and available services, visit Florida’s VR page here: rehabworks.org/customers/assistive-technology.html

Empower your journey toward independence and opportunity — we’re here to help every step of the way.

10/27/2025

Flying with a prosthesis? Here’s how to travel safely and comfortably.

Airports can involve unexpected long walks, crowded terminals, and swelling during flight—so planning ahead is essential.

Request a wheelchair when booking or checking in. You might not realize how much walking is required until you’re already sore or fatigued. Conserving energy helps you stay comfortable for the entire trip.

Keep your prosthesis on during the flight. Mid-air changes in cabin pressure and prolonged sitting can cause residual limb swelling. If you remove your prosthesis and swelling occurs, you may have difficulty putting it back on.

Pack essential items:
• Shrinker – helps control limb volume
• Ace wrap – as a backup to manage unexpected swelling

TSA checkpoint guidance:
Simply inform TSA that you wear a prosthesis. They are allowed to wand or pat it down, but they cannot require you to remove it. If you prefer privacy during the inspection, you may request a private screening room.

Preparing early and advocating for your comfort ensures a smoother, safer travel experience.

Have questions about traveling with your prosthesis? Drop them below coz we’re here to help!

10/22/2025

From day one, Stefany brought warmth, dedication, and a genuine heart for patients and the team alike.

She arrived as a resident, grew as a clinician, and leaves as part of our Gainesville family.

You came to learn, but you also taught us so much through your compassion, dedication, and spirit.

Thank you, Stefany once Gainesville, always family.

10/14/2025

Inclusion starts with innovation.

This October, as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on how assistive technology is breaking barriers and opening doors in the workplace.

From AI-powered tools to adaptive prosthetics, technology isn’t just transforming accessibility—it’s redefining what’s possible.
At Gainesville Prosthetics, we believe that everyone deserves the tools to thrive, move, and succeed.

💡 Read our latest blog:

👉 “https://www.gainesvilleprosthetics.com/post/celebrating-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-the-role-of-assistive-technology-in-buil.”

10/08/2025

Trying out robotic assistive legs in Zhangjiajie National Park, China

These robotic exoskeletons are designed to enhance mobility and reduce muscle strain while hiking.

Each device uses motion sensors and electric actuators that synchronize with your body’s natural movement, providing adjustable levels of power to support your steps on steep or uneven terrain.

The technology allows users to walk longer distances with less fatigue, making it ideal for both travelers and individuals who need mobility assistance.

In Zhangjiajie, visitors can rent a pair for about $22 or purchase them for around $950. The power settings can be customized, allowing each person to choose how much assistance they need for balance or endurance.

It’s a fascinating example of how robotics is shaping the future of travel and accessibility combining advanced engineering with practical, real-world use.



Image reference: online sources discussing robotic exoskeletons in Zhangjiajie, China

09/30/2025

For the past 9 months, MK has brought nothing but positive energy, laughter, and dedication to our office. From the very first day, she jumped right in, worked hard, and showed us all how much passion and heart can brighten a team.

Whether she was practicing in prostheses to better understand patients or cheering on her coworkers, MK always gave her best.

Now she is moving on to her next big chapter. While we are so excited for everything that is ahead, we will definitely miss the spark she brought to Gainesville Prosthetics every single day.

MK, thank you for everything. Thank you for your effort, your positivity, and the way you made this place feel like family. This is not goodbye, it is simply “see you later.” We wish you success and happiness in the journey ahead.

Leave your good luck messages for MK in the comments and let’s send her off with love!

09/17/2025

At AOPA's opening ceremony, we were honored to share the story of Rebecca Denae and her journey with Cara Negri, CP.

Rebecca is a 25-year-old cancer survivor, amputee, author, and advocate who has experienced both trans-tibial and transfemoral prostheses. After a limb salvage surgery in 2023, she chose a trans-tibial amputation, and later, due to further complications, a transfemoral amputation.

Despite these challenges, Rebecca returned to obstacle course racing and is now re-engaging in adaptive athletics.

Cara, her prosthetist, first connected with her before surgery by asking an important question: “What do you want your life to look like?” This approach guided every step forward. Together, they worked on solutions such as an immediate post-operative prosthesis, which allowed Rebecca to avoid prolonged wheelchair use and begin rehabilitation quickly.

This partnership highlights the power of clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and advanced prosthetic technology. Rebecca chose amputation not as an ending, but as a way forward—and with Cara’s support, she continues to demonstrate that prosthetics are not restrictions, but tools for independence, performance, and freedom.

Stories like this are essential in breaking stigma, showing that life after limb loss can be active, fulfilling, and limitless.

Gainesville Prosthetics is proud to stand alongside patients and practitioners who embody resilience, innovation, and collaboration.

09/10/2025

What an incredible week for Gainesville Prosthetics at the AOPA 2025 Meeting in Orlando!

MK Dennis and Cara Negri were honored with the Professor Hans Georg Näder Digital O&P Care Award for their presentation “Integrating Traditional and Additive Manufacturing in Prosthetic Residency.” Their work highlights how 3D printing and additive manufacturing can be integrated with traditional fabrication techniques, ensuring residents and students gain the best of both worlds. This hybrid approach prepares the next generation of O&P professionals with essential skills in both innovation and craftsmanship.

Cara and Rebecca represented Gainesville Prosthetics in the “Shine on O&P” Opening Ceremony, recognizing their leadership in advancing patient care and professional development.

Dani and Cara also presented on our model of care and the vital role of assistants in maximizing practice efficiency, emphasizing how our approach supports patient outcomes and improves clinical workflows.

We are proud to see our team recognized and to contribute to shaping the future of orthotics and prosthetics.