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What is an orthotist?
An orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits orthoses (braces and splints) for patients who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones. They work under a physician's orders to adapt purchased orthoses or create custom-designed orthoses. Braces are often named for the body part they support, such as:
- An AFO is an ankle-foot orthosis.
A KAFO is a knee-ankle-foot orthosis, or long leg brace.
A Halo is an orthosis that surrounds the head and is held in place with small screws in the skull. It is used to stabilize the neck and prevent further damage to the spinal cord after injury.
What is a prosthetist?
A prosthetist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits artificial limbs (prostheses) for patients with disabilities. This includes artificial legs and arms for patients who have had amputations due to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or injury.
Orthotists and prosthetists receive special education and training in undergraduate programs and/or apprenticeships. They may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:
- hospitals
- inpatient rehabilitation centers
- outpatient rehabilitation centers
- private practice
- industrial health centers
What is an Athletic Trainer?
Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active. |
Kensington
Valley
Orthotic
& Sport
Services
belongs to these organizations:
American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC)
www.abcop.org
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
www.oandp.org
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
www.aopanet.org
Brighton Chamber of Commerce
www.brightoncoc.org
National Athletic Trainers Assoc. (NATA)
www.nata.org
Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers
www.nataboc.org/
Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Assoc.
www.glata.org/
Michigan Athletic Trainers Assoc.
www.matsonline.org/
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