The Prosthetics and Orthotics Profession
Prosthetics are artificial devices used to replace limbs, which may have been amputated or damaged. They help people with amputations to live independently and enjoy life. These devices can be very technologically advanced or relatively simple. They are used to replace arms, legs, hands and feet. Learn more about prosthetics company in Philadelphia, go here.
They also are used to help people with disabilities to walk and do activities that they otherwise would not be able to. Many patients find prosthetics to be an important part of their treatment. Take a look at this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthotics for more information.
These devices are often used to treat a wide variety of conditions and injuries, including but not limited to: arthritis, deformities, scoliosis, traumatic injury, spinal cord damage, stroke, and amputation. They can be custom-made to fit and function with an individual’s specific needs. Find out for further details on torticollis baby helmet right here.
Creating a cast is one of the most critical steps in the process of designing and fabricating an orthotic or prosthesis. It requires precision and care to ensure that the device will be properly fabricated. This can take up to a few weeks, and is not a quick procedure, so the patient’s progress will need to be monitored closely during this time.
Once a cast has been made, it is then possible to develop a mold that can be used to make the actual prosthesis. This can be done manually or using a machine. It can take a number of visits, but if the correct casting is done and the mold is accurately created, it can be very successful in delivering the right-sized device for the patient’s particular limb.
While this is a lengthy and complex process, it can result in a high-quality, custom-made orthotic or prosthesis that will feel good, look good and perform well. It is also an essential part of ensuring that the patient is able to adapt to the new device.
As a specialized allied health profession, prosthetics and orthotics professionals combine both clinical and technical skills to provide high-quality, evidence-based care. They work as members of an interprofessional rehabilitative team with other healthcare providers, including orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses.
They are also involved in research to improve and enhance their practice. They conduct research related to a variety of topics, including:
Research in the field of prosthetics and orthotics is focused on improving the quality of life for patients and their families by enhancing the use of rehabilitative devices, such as prostheses and orthoses. Their goals are to reduce the impact of disability and promote independence, improve rehabilitative outcomes, and advance rehabilitative science.
This includes research that focuses on the clinical, social, and psychological aspects of orthotic and prosthetic treatment. They are particularly interested in research that aims to enhance the role awareness, value, and professional identity of orthotists and prosthetists within the rehabilitative team.
In addition to research, orthotic and prosthetics professionals also participate in community outreach, public service and clinical education. They collaborate with local and national rehabilitative organizations and serve as leaders in their professional societies.