Prosthetics and orthotics is actually one of the fields in the healthcare profession that is rapidly growing as a matter of fact. Technically speaking, the two, prosthetics and orthotics, are two separate fields and approaches but all said and done, the common purpose that they happen to be serving has actually made them come into a kind of single unit as a cooperative entity. Check the following out for some of the basics that you may want to know of when it comes to prosthetics and orthotics.
By and large, talking of prosthetics, this that field where we see the use of the artificial limbs, referred to as prostheses, to help improve the lifestyle and function of those who may have suffered a loss of limb. By and large, when it comes to the prosthesis, these should be a unique combination of the appropriate materials, alignment, design and construction in order to make sure that they will be meeting the very functional needs of the person who will be using them.
Added to this, it is to be noted as a fact that the needs for these may as well vary and can be so complex between the lower and the upper limbs. The prostheses for the lower limbs will often come designed to help with stability in standing and walking, cosmetic appearance, shock absorption, some of the athletic activities such as jumping and running. Looking at the upper limb prostheses, these are the kinds that are designed to help with much of the needs for the upper limbs such as reaching and grasping, some of the occupational challenges that may follow these like hammering and painting, and the daily life activities such as reading and writing.
When it comes to the orthotics, these involve a lot of creativity in the design and the fabrication of the external braces as well known as the orthoses, as part of a person’s treatment process. These external braces, as well known as orthoses, basically serve to control the weakened or deformed regions of the body of those who may so happen to be physically challenged. The orthoses, the external braces will be used on a number of the parts of the body and some of these are such as on the upper and lower limbs as well, cranium and as well on the spine. Some of the most common orthotic supplies are such as the cranial helmets, orthoses for those who happen to be suffering from scoliosis, the ones that are used of serious neck injuries and the like. You may want to add to these the foot orthotics that will be used for the rehabilitation needs for the kids who may be so suffering from cerebral palsy. There have been seen a good number of orthoses coming up today for the needs of kids and you can learn more on these here.