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. Read on and learn more on prosthetics and orthotics as has been discussed below.
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. The particular prosthesis must actually be a proper combination of the right materials, of the right alignment, design and construction so as to get matching 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 lower limb prostheses will in most cases come designed to help with some of the needs such as to help with stability and motion, cosmetic appearance, shock absorption, energy storage and return, athletic activities such as running and jumping and the like. With the upper limb prostheses, these are the kinds that will be designed to help with the needs served by the upper limbs some of these being reaching and grasping, occupational challenges and needs such as hammering and painting, and much of the daily life activities like eating, dressing and writing.
Looking at the orthotics, these involve a lot of precision and creativity when it comes to the design and the making of the external braces that would be a key component of a patient’s treatment process. These orthosis, the external braces, basically serve to help control the weakened or deformed regions of the body of the physically challenged individuals. You may see or have orthoses used on various parts of the body some of which are like both the upper and lower limbs, on the cranium and the spine as well. Here are some of the most common kinds of the orthoses you will come across out there; cranial helmets, orthoses for cases of scoliosis, those that are used for serious neck injuries and the like. Added to these, you may want to add to these the foot orthoses that would be used for the treatment needs and rehabilitation of the kids who may be suffering from cerebral palsy. In the recent past, we have seen a growing number of orthotics coming up that help you with the needs of kids and for these see here.