An Orthotist is a tertiary qualified, allied health professional trained in the assessment, prescription manufacture, provision and ongoing review of orthoses. Orthotists are trained to provide these Orthoses that encompass the entire body, not solely focussed to any one area of the body. There main goal is to improve the quality of life for clients under there care by assisting movement and function to those with an illness or disability. This is achieved through the application of an appropriately selected ‘off-the-shelf’ or fully custom made orthosis to match the clients presentation and there self-selected goals.
Definition: Orthosis (pl. Orthoses): An externally applied ‘brace’ or ‘splint’ that is either custom made or prefabricated device used to assist movement and function in several different ways (AOPA,2020);
Orthotists treat a variety of illnesses, disabilities and injuries. These include, but are not limited to;
All Clinicians at Barwon Prosthetics and Orthotics are qualified Prosthetist’s/Orthotists, and active members of Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA). All clinical staff regularly perform continuing professional education to enhance their skills and build on their current knowledge.
For further information, please see a link to the Australia Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA), outlining the description of an Orthotist’s role https://www.aopa.org.au/documents/item/320