Orthotics and prosthetics are medical devices that help people who have had injuries, accidents or illnesses. They can also be used to treat children who have conditions such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. These devices can control the movement of a joint, assist a person with walking or provide support to help a person with a fractured bone heal properly. The need for orthotics and prosthetics is growing rapidly due to increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and an aging population. Industries that employ orthotists and prosthetists include medical equipment and supplies manufacturing; health and personal care stores; ambulatory healthcare services; hospitals--local, state and federal; and private clinics.
The job of an orthotist or prosthetist requires a unique combination of medical, mechanical engineering and rehabilitation knowledge. The Philadelphia prosthetics expert has the ability to listen carefully to a patient’s needs, offer an effective device solution and maintain long-term relationships with their patients. They must be able to work as part of an interprofessional team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
An Orthotist or Prosthetist must have a bachelor’s degree in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, or a related field. The degree program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. In addition to an undergraduate degree, most states require a master’s in prosthetics and orthotics (O&P). Those who wish to become O&P professionals can choose from a wide variety of undergraduate majors. However, most O&P master’s programs require prerequisite courses in areas such as chemistry with lab, biology with lab, physics with lab, anatomy and physiology.
The prosthetics company in Philadelphia helps the O&P practitioner prepare, fabricate and fit the devices for a patient. They may also assist with the evaluation of a patient and the assessment of the effectiveness of the device. These technicians can also provide patients with information about their device, its use and maintenance.
An orthotist and prosthetist must have the skills to design, fabricate and fit a prosthetic device according to a prescription by a physician. They can also assist with fitting and adjusting orthoses, such as braces. In addition, they must be able to recognize and manage medical problems that could lead to adverse reactions to the devices. They can also make recommendations to physicians and other healthcare professionals. Follow this link for more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthotist.
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