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);

• Improving alignment of single or multiple body segments
• Accommodating deformity to promote movement and function
• Supporting a body part after surgery or injury
• Reducing pain for long term conditions
• “offloading’ excess pressure to susceptible areas