Ortho Active – A Legacy of Innovation
The story of Ortho Active spans nearly ninety years of innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to improving patient care. While Ortho Active was established in 1983, its roots extend back to one of British Columbia’s earliest orthotic practices. Across three generations, the Parkinson family has helped shape the evolution of orthotics and prosthetics in Canada—from traditional clinical care and custom manufacturing to national distribution of innovative technologies that improve mobility and quality of life.
Today, Ortho Active is recognized as one of Canada’s leading distributors of orthotic, prosthetic, rehabilitation, and sports medicine products, partnering with healthcare professionals across the country to deliver clinically differentiated solutions backed by exceptional service and education.
Company Timeline
1938 – Hodgson Orthotics is established in Vancouver, British Columbia, becoming one of the province’s pioneering orthotic practices and laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Ortho Active story.
1960 – Richard Parkinson acquires Hodgson Orthotics from his uncle, preserving a family tradition that would ultimately lead to the founding of Ortho Active more than two decades later.
1983 – Ken Parkinson establishes Ortho Active as a Canadian manufacturer of orthopaedic braces and supports. The company soon expands into wholesale distribution, supplying orthotic and prosthetic clinics across Canada. Early product innovation centres on emerging materials such as neoprene, combined with proprietary sizing systems, pattern development, and advanced sewing techniques.
1985–1993 – Ortho Active rapidly expands its national distribution business through partnerships with respected brands including Swede-O, Intercept, Scott, and Kramer, earning a reputation as a trusted supplier to Canadian clinicians.
1993 – Continued growth leads to the relocation of Ortho Active into a larger warehouse and office facility, providing expanded capacity for manufacturing, warehousing, and nationwide distribution.
1998 – Ortho Active collaborates with the University of British Columbia Sports Medicine Centre and Dr. Jack Taunton in the development of the Pelvic Compression Short. The product gains international recognition and is worn by numerous elite athletes, including NHL legend Jaromír Jágr.
1999 – Introduction of the patented Nitro Knee Brace, an innovative custom knee orthosis manufactured using pressure-formed polypropylene-impregnated fiberglass with polycentric hinge technology. The product represents a significant advancement in custom functional knee bracing.
2005 – Ortho Active becomes the Canadian distributor for Freedom Feet, expanding its presence within the prosthetics market.
2010 – Distribution of Medi Prosthetics products begins in Canada, further strengthening the company’s prosthetic product portfolio.
2014 – Hodgson Orthotics is sold, completing the separation between the clinical practice and Ortho Active’s manufacturing and distribution businesses.
2016 – Ortho Active introduces the Orthomobility VGK prosthetic knee to the Canadian market, continuing its focus on bringing innovative mobility solutions to Canadian clinicians.
2020 – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ortho Active rapidly pivots its Canadian manufacturing capabilities to produce and distribute masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential healthcare products, supporting frontline healthcare providers during a period of unprecedented demand.
2024 – Dale Tiessen and Rob Tsujimura acquire Ortho Active, launching a new chapter focused on strategic growth, innovation, and long-term investment in the business.
2024–2026 – Ortho Active undertakes a comprehensive modernization of its operations, investing in digital systems, regulatory infrastructure, warehousing, logistics, and customer experience. At the same time, the company expands its portfolio through partnerships with innovative manufacturers from around the world, with a particular focus on orthotics, prosthetics, rehabilitation, pedorthics, and sports medicine. This period establishes Ortho Active as one of Canada’s fastest-growing distributors of emerging orthopaedic technologies.
2026 – Ortho Active expands its Canadian portfolio through partnerships with disruptive new products including Elevate Movement, Ethnocare, Amparo, Paralid, Extreme Limb Makeover, Step-On and other emerging technologies, reinforcing its strategy of bringing innovative orthopaedic solutions to Canadian clinicians.
Looking Forward
Today, Ortho Active combines nearly ninety years of orthopaedic heritage with a forward-looking vision for the future of patient care. The company continues to seek out innovative technologies that improve clinical outcomes while making them more accessible to Canadian healthcare professionals through education, technical support, responsive distribution, and trusted partnerships.
As healthcare continues to evolve, Ortho Active remains committed to advancing the profession by connecting Canadian clinicians with the products, knowledge, and service they need to help patients move better and live more active lives.
