Orthotics

This 8-week course during the second year of the DPT curriculum, is the first of a pair of courses on orthotics and prosthetics in physical therapy. This course presents information on the types, components, and appropriate prescription of orthotics in the management of patients. Principles of biomechanics will be utilized to understand the application, evaluation, and prescription of orthotics in the context of patients/clients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunctions of the trunk, upper- and lower-extremities.  

The course will introduce and 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 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. This course requires development of clinical problem-solving skills to determine orthotic solutions and a comprehensive plan of care.