What Is Orthotics?
Orthotics is a specialist medical discipline which focuses on the design, production, prescription and use of orthoses.
Orthoses are devices which are applied externally to any part of the body in order to:
-
Prevent or correct deformity
-
Promote or improve function of the affected area
-
Stabilise a joint or joints
-
Reduce pain
-
Reduce the risk of injury
A clinician who practices within the field of orthotics is called an Orthotist. Orthotists are state registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Why See An Orthotist?
An orthotic assessment encompasses the whole of the musculoskeletal system and an orthotist can provide a wide range of Orthotic devices, ranging from relatively simple to extremely complex devices.
When assessing a patient with a view to prescribing an orthosis a full-body biomechanical assessment is vital in order to ensure the correct prescription.
For example, when a patient presents with knee pain the root of the problem may be poor foot and ankle positioning / biomechanics. Or when a patient complains of lower back pain the problem may be a leg length discrepancy and a simple heel raise may resolve the issue eliminating the need for any further intervention.
