What is an Orthotist?
What is an Orthotist
A Certified Orthotist (C.O.) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, design, fitting and management of orthoses, commonly known as braces.
Orthoses can be used to support or protect a part of the body, improve alignment and movement, manage pain, accommodate changes in muscle strength or tone, and help individuals participate more comfortably and safely in everyday activities.
What Does an Orthotist Do?
Orthotists work with people of all ages and with a wide range of orthopaedic, neurological and developmental conditions.
Depending on the individual’s needs, an Orthotist may provide:
- Cranial Remolding Orthoses (baby helmets)
- Spinal and scoliosis orthoses
- Foot orthoses
- SMOs and AFOs
- Knee braces
- KAFOs and other complex lower extremity orthoses
- Upper extremity orthoses
- Custom protective helmets
An Orthotist doesn’t simply select a brace. We assess factors such as anatomy, alignment, strength, range of motion, gait and functional goals to determine what type of orthosis is appropriate.
When a custom orthosis is required, the Orthotist is involved throughout the process—from assessment and design to fitting, adjustments and ongoing follow-up.
Orthotists also work closely with physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other members of the healthcare team as part of an individual’s overall treatment plan.
What Does “Certified” Mean?
Becoming a Certified Orthotist in Canada requires extensive clinical and technical education.
Certified Orthotists complete university education followed by an accredited Prosthetics and Orthotics program and a supervised clinical residency. Candidates must then successfully complete national certification examinations through Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC).
Certification doesn’t end there. Certified Orthotists are required to participate in ongoing professional education and development to maintain their designation and stay current with advances in orthotic care.
Orthotic Care at Custom Orthotics of London
At Custom Orthotics of London, our Certified Orthotists work with both children and adults, providing everything from relatively simple orthotic solutions to highly customized and complex bracing.
Our goal is to understand the individual first, then determine the orthosis that best supports their needs and goals.
Have a question or need a form? Our team is happy to help.