Orthotics

This is the first of a pair of courses on orthotics and prosthetics in physical therapy. This course emphasizes knowledge of orthotic components and principles of biomechanics in the application, analysis, evaluation, and prescription of orthotics in the context of patient/client cases.  The course will expand students’ knowledge of orthoses used in physical therapy for upper-extremity, lower-extremity, and trunk dysfunctions. Emphasis will be placed on applying biomechanical principles, the available evidence base, and clinical evaluation and management considerations underlying the clinical decision-making of orthotic prescription and clinical care for individuals with a range of orthopedic and neurologic dysfunctions. Particular attention will be paid to developing gait assessment skills to allow evaluation of gait abnormalities that can be affected with orthoses including the determination of a comprehensive plan of care to address gait dysfunction.