Frequently Asked Questions //
What is an Orthotist?
Orthotists are highly skilled allied healthcare professionals who are trained to design and fit orthoses which are specially designed splints and braces to support weakened joints of the limbs or spine to relieve pain, aid movement or prevent the worsening of physical deformities.
To become an Orthotist requires a minimum of three or four years study, to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics or equivalent. Orthotists are continually upgrading their skills by means of further short courses and study.
An Orthotist should be registered with the HealthCare Professions Council (HCPC) to be eligible to practise. The HCPC website provide an easily searchable register of all their members, all you need is the persons surname or registration number.
How can an Orthotist help me?
Your Orthotist will perform a thorough assessment which always begins with obtaining a full medical history from you, followed by a range of movement and functional movement assessment.
In most cases a full biomechanical assessment is warranted with video gait analysis to observe the way you walk and run (if appropriate). This information is then put together to form a clearer picture of your problems, to help form a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your Orthotist will explain their finding to you and advise you on the best treatment options for you, whether that be prescirption of some type of Orthoses, or other alternative therapies.
What happens if I need Orthoses?
If Orthoses are required, measurements are taken that may include a mould or plaster cast of the user’s limb or torso, drawings, drafts, and photographs.
Using knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, materials and technology, a suitable device can then be designed.
Once the definitive orthosis has been designed, instructions are then passed onto a technician, who manufactures it.
You will then usually need a further appointment to check the device fits you well, is comfortable and giving you support in all the right places.
What is an Orthosis?
An Orthosis is any device that is applied externally to the body and designed to transmit a force or load to a body segment or joint to either assist or prevent relative movement.
An Orthosis is essentially the medical term used for a brace, a splint or a shoe insert or insole. Other types of Orthoses include neck collars, corsets and spinal braces, elbow supports and wrist/hand Orthoses (WHO's).
Adaptations to footwear such as raising a shoe to compensate for shortening of one leg and specially designed bespoke footwear also come under this umbrella.
Do you trim toe nails or treat ingrown toe nails?
No unfortunately this is not a service we provide. You would need to see a Podiatrist or Chiropodist for this type of treatment.
Do you par down or remove corns and calluses?
No unfortunately this is not a service we provide. You would need to see a Podiatrist or Chiropodist for this type of treatment. However we can provide insoles that help to reduce corns and calluses by redistributing pressure and reducing shearing forces acting on the foot.
Do you accept Private Insurance plans?
No unfortunately we are unable to accept any private insurance plans at this time. However we are looking into this at present and hope to be able to provide this service in the future.
What do I need to bring along with me to the appointment?
Please come wearing suitable loose fitting clothing or bring along a pair of shorts, and a pair of shoes that you wear regularly when walking and your training shoes. Also if you already have Orthotics, please bring them along to the appointment. If you need a walking aid you also need to bring this along with you.
Do I need a referral from my GP or other healthcare practitioner?
No, in most cases this is not necessary. However it would be beneficial for you to bring along any relevant information about your medical history, for example copies of any letters from specialist you have seen, reports of x-rays and scans etc.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, cheque, and most major credit and debit cards apart from American Express.