What does a Certified Orthotist do?
An Orthotist (pron: Ortho-tist) is an allied health professional and clinician who practices in public hospitals or the private sector.
The Orthotist's role is to assess, prescribe, apply and provide education regarding the use and care of an appropriate orthosis that serves the individual's requirements.
An orthosis is the true term for a brace or appliance that is designed and fitted to the body to achieve one or more of the following goals:
- Control biomechanical alignment
- Protect and support a healing injury
- Assist rehabilitation
- Reduce pain
- Increase mobility
- Increase independence
Who will benefit from seeing an Orthotist?
Any person with persisting pain or discomfort. Common problem areas include feet, ankles, hips, knees and back or biomechanical problems. Mechanical problems happen throughout the body that’s why it’s important to look at everything not just your feet.
Assessment and fitting of
Foot Orthotics
- Extra Depth Footwear (DVA Medical Grade Footwear)
- Cam Walkers & Fracture Management
- Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO's)
- Knee Braces
- Spinal Braces
A range of custom fitted and custom-made ORTHOTICS (orthoses/braces) are provided as prescribed after an initial assessment to meet your needs. Most of the orthoses are custom-made on-site by the certified orthotist. Adjustments are usual and can also be made on-site at review appointments.
Some people with the following diagnoses may benefit from an assessment;
- Foot Pain or Discomfort
- Osteoarthritis
- Post polio syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Stroke/ Head injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Joint replacement (post surgery)
- Sporting injuries
others Foot problems may include
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bunions
- Heel pain
- Iliotibial band friction syndrome
- Excessive pronation
- Shin splints
- Claw toes or hammer toes
- Limb length discrepancies
- Metatarsalgia
- Numbness in the toes
- Corns and calluses
- Other foot injuries due to accidents
To book an appointment
TRARALGON (03) 5174 3439
BAIRNSDALE (03) 5174 3439
(Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Consulting rooms fortnightly Wed. mornings)
