Orthotist

Think of an orthotist as a shoe and brace expert who helps you with any problems related to your bones, joints, or muscles. They create custom-made supports and devices to make sure you can move comfortably and with less pain. They're trained to design and provide custom-made braces, shoe inserts, and other devices to support your body and improve your mobility. It's like having a personal tailor for your bones and muscles.

Here is how an ortotist can be used within the NDIS;

• Custom Braces: Orthotists create braces that fit your body perfectly to support and stabilise weak or injured joints. It's like having a strong bodyguard for your joints.
• Orthopaedic Shoe Inserts: They design special shoe inserts that help with foot or leg problems, making it easier and less painful to walk or stand. It's like having comfortable cushions for your feet.
• Mobility Aids: Orthotists can provide mobility aids like splints or crutches to assist with walking and moving around. It's like having a helping hand when you need it.
• Support for Children: For kids with disabilities, orthotists design devices to support healthy growth and development.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Orthotists assess an individual's musculoskeletal condition, gait (how they walk), and mobility needs. They use this information to determine the most suitable orthotic solutions.
• Customization: They customise orthotic devices to fit an individual's unique body shape and needs. This includes creating moulds and taking precise measurements for a perfect fit.
• Orthotic Maintenance: Orthotists ensure that orthotic devices are in good condition and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to maintain their effectiveness.
• Education and Training: They educate individuals and their caregivers on how to use and care for orthotic devices properly. This includes guidance on putting on and taking off braces and using mobility aids safely.
• Fall Prevention: Orthotists can provide solutions to reduce the risk of falls, particularly important for individuals with mobility challenges. This may include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to improve stability.
• Pain Management: Orthotists can design orthotic devices to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis or joint misalignment.
• Assistive Technology Integration: Orthotists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that orthotic devices integrate seamlessly with other assistive technologies like wheelchairs or communication devices.
• Adaptive Equipment: They may recommend and provide adaptive equipment and aids, such as custom seating systems or wheelchair modifications, to enhance comfort and support for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaboration with Rehabilitation Teams: Orthotists work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care.

In summary, an orthotist is like a body support expert who ensures that you can move comfortably and with less pain. The NDIS ensures that those who need orthotic support can access it, promoting better mobility and an improved quality of life, especially for individuals with disabilities.