Orthotics and Prosthetics - How Can They Help Me
Orthotics and Prosthetics (OP) practitioners combine several special skills coming from science, art and nursing to properly fit, manufacture and fit orthopedic aids (orthotics) and artificial legs (prosts). An integral part of all health care groups, O&P practitioners work not only with patients but also as a part of an interdisciplinary team including physicians, physical and occupational therapists, medical oncologists, orthodontists, podiatrists, physical therapy professionals and others. Working together, they assess the patient's condition and determine the most appropriate orthotic or prosthetic device. This team has the skill, knowledge and technical expertise to design and manufacture prosthetic arm, fitting and preparing them for application. Their efforts are focused on creating alignment within the body so that patients can maintain proper sitting, standing and walking posture and improve their overall health.
O&P practitioners and prosthetists use their knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system, including joint and bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. They evaluate the patient through history, examination, testing, diagnostic imaging and pathology. They often rely on laboratory technologies, including x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and blood tests to provide information on the status of the patient. With a variety of equipment, such as compressive shoe inserts, orthotic cushions, electrical stimulation, and other therapeutic apparatuses, they design the most effective prosthesis and orthosis for each particular patient. Their work is completed in a timely manner to ensure maximum benefit to the patient.
The goal of orthotics and Prosthetics is to provide the maximum possible functional ability for the patient while reducing discomfort and improving quality of life. O&P practitioners and prosthetists use a variety of techniques and materials to enhance mobility, promote healing and decrease pain. In addition to providing a prosthetic or orthotic to help a patient stand, sit, walk, and perform tasks normally done by their natural legs, many professionals also provide complete Body Jet Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote natural, joint motion. Body Jet Therapy uses gentle compression to realign bones, joints and cartilage, relieving stiffness and improving muscle functioning, and allows the full range of motion of joints and limbs.
To be an O&P specialist, one must be especially educated and trained in the field of orthotics and prostheses. The educational requirements for becoming an orthotic specialist are based on state laws and regulations. In the majority of states, to become an O&P specialist you must first complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited university or college, pass state licensing exams, and gain specific certification, such as a PN. Some states do not require licensing, but instead require that you complete specific education courses, such as human anatomy, before working as an O&P nurse. Most states require boards of training to be certified in orthotics and prosthetic devices, although these vary from state to state.
After becoming licensed as an orthotic/prosthetic specialist you will want to find a reputable program to attend if you are planning to specialize in orthotics and prosthetics. Many schools now offer a four-year undergraduate program that will allow students to focus on all aspects of orthodontics and prosthodontics and to complete a year of specialized training in particular areas. These programs are particularly helpful for those looking to begin careers within the field of dentistry or teaching, because these types of positions usually require more than one year to complete. Other programs take less time to complete, but typically will allow students to focus more specifically on the areas of orthodontics and prosthodontics that they are interested in pursuing.
In addition to attending school to become an orthodontist or a dentist who specializes in orthodontics and prosthodontics, you may want to consider how your skills can help you in the workplace. A job as a physical therapist, for example, often involves the use of specialized equipment. By improving the health of your patients through better alignment of their limbs, and helping them to overcome minor aches and pains, physical therapists can provide patients with much-needed long-term well-being. If you want to know more about this topic, then click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosthesis.
