Orthotics
What is Orthotics?
Orthotics is a specialist field which involves the design, production and use of orthoses.
Orthoses are specially prescribed braces, splints or supports which are applied externally to any part of the body to prevent injury, correct a problem, reduce pain or improve the movement and function of your body. We commonly prescribe specialist insoles, shoe adaptations, footwear and bracing or supports for the feet, legs or hip, bracing or supports for the upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand) and the spine (including cervical collars) to do this. We treat people of all ages, from very young children right through adulthood.
What is an Orthotist?
A clinician that practices orthotics is called an orthotist. They are required to be registered with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) and are professionals with a degree qualification or equivalent in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Orthotists work with individuals who suffer from a wide range of acute (one off) and chronic (long term) conditions which affect the way the body moves and functions.
The Orthotics Department at Dorset County Hospital consists of:
- Nicola Green, Orthotist and Service Manager
- Matthew Wood, Orthotist
- Matt Pearson, Orthotist
- Liz Lafford, Orthotics Assistant Practitioner
- Karen Tompkins, Orthotics Administrator.
The team provides services to Dorset County Hospital, Weymouth Community Hospital, Portland Community Hospital, Dorset Children's Centre and the Diabetes Centre in Dorchester.
What will happen at my appointment?
You will have been referred to our service by your GP, consultant, or other healthcare professional for an assessment. At the appointment the orthotist will need to see the affected limb or area. For example, with foot and ankle problems it is useful to come in trousers which can be easily rolled up, shorts or a skirt and a pair of trainers or sensible shoes with a lace, Velcro, or buckle fastening. For knee problems it would be useful to bring shorts. If you are being assessed for a spinal problem, you may be required to remove your shirt or top. You will usually be assessed statically (sitting or lying down) and dynamically (standing and walking). Your orthotist will palpate (feel) the soft tissues and/or bones around the affected area(s) and assess movements at relevant joints. It is useful to bring any orthoses that you have tried previously and a typical pair of shoes that you commonly wear (this could include work shoes).
Sometimes we may need to take a plaster cast of a part of your body for a specialist brace to be made and will discuss this with you ahead of your appointment. This may get on your clothing, so we suggest wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting messy.
Useful questions to think about before your appointment
- How long has the issue been ongoing for?
- Has it got better, worse or stayed the same for a period of time?
- If you experience pain, are there things that make it better or worse?
- Is your pain affected by different styles of shoe?
- Is your pain better or worse at certain times of the day?
- Is there any other relevant medical history that your orthotist may need to know?
- What are your expectations of the outcome of your referral to us?
It may be useful to keep a simple diary in the build up to your appointment to help spot any patterns with pain and activity or footwear which could be helpful to discuss with an orthotist. This can be especially helpful with children.
When will I receive my orthosis?
We are able to keep some orthoses in stock which can be provided at your initial appointment. Other items may have to be specially ordered or custom made for you. These items will be provided at a follow up appointment. Your orthotist will discuss this with you.
Phone and virtual appointments
Sometimes it may be more appropriate to arrange to speak with you on the phone (for a review appointment for example). If this is the case, it will have been agreed with you beforehand and you will receive details of an appointment. We ask that you be in a suitable environment to be able to take the call 30 minutes before and after this time.
Sometimes it may be necessary to arrange a virtual (online/video) appointment with you. In order to do this, the NHS uses a platform called Attend Anywhere which enables secure video consultations with our patients. A moveable camera is a preferable option if available, and please ensure you have enough space to safely stand and walk or to be able to show the soles of your feet to an orthotist if they ask you to do so. You will receive an information leaflet to provide details of how to access and join a video consultation.
Please ensure you have any relevant orthoses/footwear close by and that you are wearing shorts/trousers that can be rolled up if an orthotist asks to see your feet or legs.
Cancelling appointments
If you are unable to keep an appointment please ring and let us know as soon as possible on 01305 254408, so that we can re-allocate the appointment slot to someone else. We will be happy to change the appointment if the date or time does not suit you, but please give as much notice as possible.
Contact details
You can contact the Orthotics Department directly by telephone on 01305 254408.
Our answer machine is regularly monitored, so if we are unable to answer your call please leave a message and a member of our team will get back to you.
Additional information
Click here to read more information in our patient information leaflets.