Prosthetic and Orthotic Services by Grand Prosthetics
Both Dave and Beverly Helms attended the prosthetics program at
Chicago's Northwestern University Medical School. Dave also attended the New York University
Medical School Prosthetics Program. Both are American Board Certified Prosthetists; Dave since 1979 following his service in the Air Force.
Aside from operating the business, Beverly, also a registered nurse, has been a guest instructor
at NEO A&M College Physical Therapy School in Miami, Oklahoma, beginning in 1997.
Beverly contracts to work with various healthcare professionals to better understand O&P.
Dave, a Vietnam era Veteran working on the structural components of aircraft and an inventor,
uses technology from the old-fashioned to the sophisticated high-tech to design the
most cosmetically functional lightweight limbs and braces possible.
Years have been spent with the Helms listening to the wants and needs of amputees.
Armed with this information and experience, Dave has spent numerous hours inventing
components for prostheses which now are used worldwide.
Each prosthetic limb is custom designed and built to best fit the individual's needs at that time.
As early as 1984, Dave's first marketed invention was a wrapping model training aid,
which continues to be used at colleges and in medical professional training courses.
When replacing missing limb function, the professional obviously encounters limitations
both cosmetically and functionally.
Yet, 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention' … so the saying goes … and that is exactly what
happened when in 1993, Dave invented a rotatable knee disarticulation socket attachment plate
which has been sold as a kit to address previously tolerated limitations.
Many varied carbon strut type feet entered the market in the early 1990's facilitating Dave's next invention, which was the Helms' Carbon Strut Alignment Fixture in 1996. These components have been sold worldwide to help people ambulate with a lighter,
more cosmetic, anatomically correct prosthesis.
The invention process continues as other needs are identified and workable solutions are realized.
In the course of continuing education and broadened experience, the Helms identify the latest in Prosthetic and Orthotic components and techniques throughout the world to enhance client independence.
Dave unfortunately passed in early 2023.
