What Is an Orthotist?
An Orthosis is the correct term for a brace, support or appliance, which is fitted to a patient’s body to achieve the following:
- Control biomechanical alignment
- Protect and support a body part
- Assist rehabilitation
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
Commonly prescribed orthoses include:
- Foot supports (orthotics)
- Wrist, hand & arm splints & braces
- Ankle & Knee braces
- Fracture orthoses
- Spinal orthoses – These include Belts, Corsets & Braces, Posture Braces, Back Cushions for use in seats.
Orthotists work both in private practice and in various hospitals and institutions such as the Spastic Centre. There is an association called the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) where members disseminate information about new techniques and products. They help each other constantly with products that maybe require urgently and some specialise in different fields of manufacture.
The older we get the more likely we are to get back problems, particularly in women, which I believe is helped by the wearing of fashion shoes. There are many and varying back problems, most of which are aided by wearing a back support, the type dependent on the severity of the condition. They should be worn in conjunction with other treatments, in some cases even as a reminder that there is a problem. After a visit to the Physiotherapist or Chiropractor, many patients feel better. Consequently, without a support, they forget they have a problem and often lift or bend or twist and undo the good work the therapist has done.
In most cases back supports can be fitted from standard designs. However, there are some braces and surgical corsets that need to be specially made and would require an additional fitting.
Patients prescribed a back support will wear them for varying times. If the condition is not severe and will get better with therapy etc. then usually a few weeks with a lighter belt type will do. However, age plays an important part in the healing process and more severe problems associated with arthritis or osteoporosis, will never completely disappear. These patients usually wear a support all their lives, putting it on when they feel the back ‘playing up’ and leaving it off when it’s appropriate.
Some patients I have had for 30 years were referred too late to correct their problem. But by wearing the corset or brace, we have prevented further deterioration of the condition. A case in point is a lady in her 80’s who was referred to me over 30 years ago. She had a kyphotic spine and was bent over with a deformity over the shoulder blade area on one side. I made a special Thoraco/Lumbar surgical corset for her and today (while she is still bent over) she can still walk and look straight ahead. Without the support she would be unable to look straight ahead and walking would be limited.
Most Australian medical funds will reimburse a fair percentage of the cost of appliances if you are in the top scale. Check your own fund.
