jeudi 14 janvier 2016

Information On Over The Counter Orthotics

By Raymond Green


The branch of medicine that is concerned with producing, applying, and designing orthoses is known as Orthotics. Orthosis, the plural of orthoses, refers to any gadget used to modify characteristics of the skeletal system. Usually, they are applied on the outside of the body and modify structural as well as functional systems. Specialists in this field are called orthotists. There are a few subspecialties in this branch of medicine and over the counter orthotics is one of them.

Orthoses help in achieving different functions in organs or body parts they are attached. In general, they are used for controlling, limiting, immobilizing, and/or guiding joints, segments of the body, or extremities. They may be used in assisting or restricting motion in a certain direction. In some cases they are applied to reduce the amount of weight the body exerts on a given organ. Reduction of weight exerted is often important during rehabilitation from injuries such as fractures.

Orthotists may also apply orthoses in reducing pain a patient may be feeling due to a given condition. In body organs that may have lost shape, an orthosis may be used to return the initial shape and make movement easier. The utilization of orthoses has often made life much easier for people with certain conditions. They also promote independence and enhance mobility.

Manufacturing orthoses derives knowledge from different fields of study. Engineering, Pathophysiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics are examples of fields of study from which knowledge is drawn. Similarly, production involves different types of technologies including 3D printing and Plaster or Paris and machines such as CAD and CNC. Precision is very important in this field and it is why sophisticated technology and machines are used.

Production makes use of various materials. Among the most commonly used materials are carbon fiber, EVA, elastic, and metals. A single orthosis may have different parts made from different materials. Various forms of plastic are in wide use today because they have been determined to be better. The use of plastics has been boosted by the introduction of the Plaster of Paris in the production process.

One can acquire various designs of orthoses from local retailer. However, some specialized designs are not available from retailers and are specifically designed fitted by orthotists. There is variance in over the counter orthoses in many factors including material, size, method of installation, and quality among other properties. Wearing may involve sliding into the organ or attaching. Mostly over the counter orthoses are used to provide protection against injury.

Classification of orthoses is done according to the anatomical joints they contain. Some major examples are ankle and foot, thoracolumbosacral, arm, knee-ankle-foot, ankle-foot, clavicular and shoulder, arm, forearm-wrist, hand, forearm-wrist-thumb, elbow, and upper extremity orthoses. The use of International Standard terminology is encouraged in describing orthoses in order to remove barriers to interpretation of research findings.

Orthoses are used by people with different medical conditions. Head injury, fractures, sports injury, strokes, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy are among the conditions for which the devices may be used. Athletes often use orthoses in optimizing performance in sports.




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