Orthotics
Many people associate orthotics with something you put in your shoes to help limit pain when you walk or run. While this is an example of an orthotic, the medical specialty known as orthotics is focused on creating external devices that help improve the function and structure of the muscles and bones of the body.
What Does an Orthosis Do?
An orthosis performs many functions related to movement and strength of different parts of the body. It can control or immobilize a joint or part of the body for a specific reason (such as allowing a body part to heal after surgery), restrict movement in general or in a particular direction, reduce weight bearing forces to allow a joint to heal, aid in the healing of fractures after a cast is removed, or correct the shape of a part of the body to ease pain or improve the ease of movement.
Who Needs an Orthosis?
Orthotics can improve mobility in people who are suffering from a variety of musculoskeletal or neuromusculoskeletal conditions. These include:
- Repetitive Use Injury
- Accident
- Disease
- Surgery
- Neurological Impairment
Advantage P&O specializes in upper limb orthotics that are applied to the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, or hand. Orthoses are great ways to alleviate pain without the use of prescription medications, while improve coordination. Imagine being able to type on a computer without pain from carpal tunnel syndrome by simply putting an orthosis on each wrist.
Orthoses can also help stabilize a joint and reduce pain after surgery. For example, an arm brace created and applied by an orthotist holds a repaired bicep muscle in place as it heals. These devices hold the arm at the precise angle for optimal healing as soon as surgery is complete. Over time, the brace will be adjusted to allow for a larger range of motion as the bicep muscle heals, until it can be removed entirely.
An upper limb orthosis can also be used to treat pain, muscle weakness and a lack of coordination in stroke patients. It can also be used to correct muscle or bone deformities.
What Sets Advantage Prosthetics & Orthotics Apart From Other Orthotists?
Our board certified orthotists have received the training necessary to create customized orthoses, help our patients use them properly and ensure that the orthosis remains useful over time. However, it is not our training and experience that sets us apart, but rather our care for the individual patient. Many of our patients come to us frustrated by their lack of strength and mobility and angry about their loss of function. We work not only to create high quality, unique orthoses that meet our patients’ needs, we take the time to listen and discuss your expectations, feelings and desires. Even if you have tried an orthosis in the past, our patient-focused approach will not only ensure you have an orthosis that fits your body, it will fit your life as well. For more information on how an orthosis can help you or to schedule your consultation today, contact us.