Athlete Stretches Outdoors with prosthetic leg

Our Story

90+ Years of Moving Southwestern Pennsylvania Forward

InStride Prosthetics & Orthotics began in 1932, when Amico "Mike" Colaizzi opened Mike's Shoes on Forest Avenue in Bellevue. What started as a neighborhood shoe repair shop quickly earned the trust of the local medical community for reliable orthopedic work. Mike built a reputation not just for craftsmanship, but for genuine care - treating every patient like a neighbor, because they were.

In 1974, Mike's son Ted Colaizzi took the reins and continued growing the business's medical focus. By 1985, the evolution was complete: Ted officially renamed the practice Colaizzi Pedorthic Center, reflecting the specialized pedorthic services that had become the heart of the business. This wasn't just a name change - it was a commitment to clinical excellence and the newly established pedorthist certification that set professional standards for the field.

In 2012, Michael Rees acquired Colaizzi Pedorthic Center with a vision to honor its legacy while preparing for the future. For over a decade, the practice continued serving patients with the same personal attention and clinical expertise that had defined it since 1932. Then in 2024, a pivotal opportunity emerged: by bringing in experienced prosthetic clinical partners, Michael expanded the practice into full-service prosthetics and orthotics - and InStride Prosthetics & Orthotics was born.

The 2024 transformation also brought a strategic move to 107 Mt Nebo Pointe Drive in Ohio Township - a modern medical office building with dedicated parking and easy interstate access. The new facility gave us the space and capabilities to deliver comprehensive care under one roof, including in-house fabrication that ensures quality control and faster turnaround for our patients.

But here's what hasn't changed in over 90 years: we're still driven by the privilege of watching someone take their first steps after an amputation, or walk pain-free in custom orthotics, or regain the confidence that comes with restored mobility. We get to witness these moments every single day - and that's why we do this work.

From Mike's original shoe repair shop to today's full-service prosthetic and orthotic facility, our guiding principle remains the same: exceptional clinical outcomes delivered through genuine human connection.

Large enough to matter.
Small enough to care.

Mission Statement

At InStride Prosthetics & Orthotics, we deliver patient-focused care backed by nearly a century of Southwestern Pennsylvania roots. Our experienced clinicians build lifelong relationships by being accessible when you need us, providing personalized solutions, and guiding you with the same practitioner from evaluation through delivery. We're small enough to know your name, experienced enough to solve your challenges, and committed to the quality you deserve.

Woman walking on stairs with prosthetic leg

Vision Statement

To be Southwestern Pennsylvania's most trusted partner in mobility solutions - where patients choose us not despite our size, but because of it. We envision a practice where every individual receives the prompt attention, clinical excellence, and personal relationships that transform healthcare from transactional to transformational.

Core Values

Responsiveness

We answer the call - literally and figuratively. When patients reach out, they deserve timely answers, not voicemail trees. We commit to being accessible, addressing concerns promptly, and ensuring no one waits in uncertainty when they need our help.

Relationship-Centered Care

Healthcare is personal. We build lifelong partnerships with our patients by providing continuity with the same practitioner from evaluation through delivery. We take the time to know your story, your goals, and your life - because quality care requires genuine connection.

Clinical Excellence

Our nearly century-long legacy demands nothing less than exceptional outcomes. We combine decades of clinical expertise with evidence-based practices to deliver prosthetic, orthotic, and pedorthic solutions that restore mobility, independence, and confidence.

Community Roots

Serving Southwestern Pennsylvania since 1932, we're not a corporate chain - we're your neighbors. Our deep regional ties mean we understand the unique needs of our community and remain invested in the wellbeing of every individual we serve.

Patient-First Focus

Every decision we make starts with one question: "What's best for this patient?" We allocate the time each person deserves, never rush appointments to meet quotas, and ensure our family-owned values guide every interaction - because people always come before profits.