Orthotics and Prosthetics (OP) practitioners combine clinical skills coming from science, art and technology to design, manufacture and fit prosthetic limbs (or orthoses). An essential element of most health care teams, O&P practitioners work not only with patients but also as a part of an integrated interdisciplinary team dealing with physical therapists, physicians, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors and other specialists. They must have strong understanding of biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, neurology and psychological factors affecting the condition of patients. They may work directly for the patient or be part of a team that includes a physical therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, physician, medical oncologist, orthopedist, psychiatrist, psychologist and communication specialist. To be an effective orthotic and prosthetic specialist, an O&P specialist should be skilled in several areas of physical therapy, biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, psychology, communication and rehabilitation.
Orthotics and prosthetics practitioner can specialize in one or more areas. Here are some examples. If an individual has difficulty walking, they can become an orthopedic specialist. Specialists in the field of dentistry can specialize in orthodontics, including periodontics, which focuses on correcting teeth and the jaw. Podiatrists can specialize in foot and ankle disorders, such as bunions, corns and calluses, hammer toe and shin splints. Some states require professional certification for podiatrists, dentists and chiropractors who perform cosmetic procedures at their offices or for whom they provide services in their facilities. In the United States, certified orthotists, podiatrists and chiropractors are required to take an approved national examination to be able to practice. The examination is a nationally recognized step in achieving a license to practice. Individuals who successfully pass this examination are then qualified to practice in their state. Today, most certified orthotists, chiropractors and podiatrists can offer services in their own offices or in specialty practices. Another area of specialization in orthotics and prosthetics practice involves treating common pain-related conditions in the musculoskeletal system. Common conditions treated by orthotic specialists include: shoulder and neck pain, wrist pain, back pain, knee pain, joint pain and tennis elbow. In most cases, an orthotic specialist provides treatments for these conditions in office-based or hospital clinics. However, in more acute cases, such as those caused by car accidents, arthritis and serious burns, orthotic patients are referred to a pediatric unit for more aggressive treatment. A majority of common ailments treated by orthotic specialists can also be successfully treated without the use of prosthetics, such as: rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, labret repair, whiplash, and Achilles tendinopathies. Orthotics and prosthetic devices have become a common part of daily life for people suffering from a wide range of common disabilities and diseases. For example, in order to correct spinal deformities, many individuals have switched to Invisalign braces, which can be worn at home or while working, and which do not require additional tools or assistance. Prosthetics like a prosthetic leg are increasingly used to replace missing or broken leg, which in turn can provide improved oral health, self-confidence and self-esteem. As more people turn to orthotics to improve their quality of life, orthosis continues to expand its borders, with more specialized types of orthotics and prosthetics being developed. Read also about a prosthetic arm, which is part of prosthetic devices. Today, orthotic practitioners are very different from the traditional healthcare professionals who used to treat patients with leg and arm problems. In many ways, orthotsicians have adopted a "wait and see" attitude towards patients suffering from these conditions, often due to the difficulty of diagnosing and treating these conditions. For this reason, it is recommended that you contact your local orthotics and prosthetic specialists to determine if you would benefit from this new form of treatment. If you want to know more about this article, then click on this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosthesis.
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