Orthotic services
Orthotics in Bristol
Each initial orthotics assessment will begin with a detailed history taking to identify normal activity patterns and possible causes of current pathology.
Who are Orthotist’s?
Orthotist’s are fully Chartered with membership to the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
An Orthotist is an Allied Health Care Professional who specialises in biomechanics (the way we move and how our bodies deal with force and stress during those movements) and uses orthoses to modify pathological gait patterns.
Orthotics is the application of an orthosis to the body (e.g. insole), which aims to improve function and/or reduce pain by changing and reducing the pathological stresses and forces on the injured structure.
Orthotics Bristol
Injury or tissue damage can occur to anyone at any age or activity level. These tend to occur in two ways. Acute injuries occur when a sudden movement or impact occurs damaging bone and/or surrounding tissue. Chronic injuries are more common within our clinic.
These can feel like they come on all of a sudden, but in fact have been manifesting for some time. Aggravating factors can be increases in activity level such as walking or training more often.
Each initial assessment will begin with a detailed history taking to identify normal activity patterns and possible causes of current pathology.
Biomechanical examination is made up of 3 parts:
- Non-weight bearing assessment of joint ranges of movement and muscle strengths.
- Static (weight bearing) assessment and testing.
- Dynamic assessment is where we see you moving on a treadmill and when required use slow motion video gait analysis to capture precise movements of the foot and the entire lower limb including the pelvis.
From these investigations into your body’s movement patterns we will be able to diagnose and prescribe orthoses (when required) suitable for treating your condition. In some cases it may be required to involve other clinicians such as Consultants, Physiotherapists and Radiologists.
Footwear is essential to the success of any orthotic treatment. We will offer footwear advice during the assessment. When coming in for assessment please bring with you, everyday work footwear, running/ exercise footwear (including football and rugby boots).
It is helpful if you can wear shorts and a different coloured t-shirt for the video gait analysis. Assessments are on average 45-60 minutes.
Anyone can refer for an Orthotics assessment. If going through an insurance provider, please check that they cover these assessments before booking.
Get in Touch
Open Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm
Tuesday’s late night until 10pm
Saturday 9am – 3pm
Sunday Closed