How to choose an Orthotics Prosthetic facility for treatment??

If you are looking for any place for orthotics prosthetics solutions? Then this article is for you. Here we will discuss what you need to look when choosing any orthotics prosthetics facility for treatment.

Have you ever heard of someone with a physical impairment (like limb amputation, post-polio paralysis or spinal deformity) who does not let the disability come into the way? In addition, you were very inspired by the confidence and achievements. Yes, one thing you find familiar among all these real-life champions, is the will to fight their disability. Indeed their confidence comes from the trust, ease and compatibility of orthoses/prosthesis or supporting devices they use. This confidence building happened during their treatment process—starting from the assessment to the comfortable and confident use of Orthosis or Prosthesis. It does not end here, but instead, the O&P facility plays a vital role in helping these patients feel safe and calm. There are so many examples who were disabled, but due to good management, treatment and facilities, they are fortunate to become an example for others.

Marlon Shirley, Oscar Pistorious, Jonnie Peacock are well known to break the 11-sec barrier to set a new men’s amputee world record in the 100m sprint. Not only this, but they also competed against non-disabled athletes. Just imagine, a person lost his single or both legs, entirely dependent on his artificial legs, creates history. This unmatched level of trust and confidence is brought to him by the excellent team of professionals, with the best possible technology & treatment methods and prosthetic components. Moreover, he must have been treated the same as usual, from the day of amputation. 

For those who are reading this just for information, an Orthotics Prosthetics facility is a medical facility that deals with the rehabilitation of physically challenged patients for the provision of Orthosis or Prosthesis. If it’s hard for you to distinguish between the confusing terms of Prosthesis and Orthosis, here are the definitions:

Prothetics is a medical speciality of placing an artificially made limb or part of the body to replace a part of the body that is missing. That artificial part is called Prosthesis.  

Similarly

Orthotics is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of external supports commonly term as braces/splints or Orthosis

In Pakistan, currently, most of the orthotics prosthetics facilities developed by charitable organizations. Very few are available in the public sectors hospitals, while a significant number of patients are relying on the limited numbers of private centres for their needs. Along with lots of other challenges in the health care system, this is a substantial concern for patients like a fresh amputee, parents of a newly born baby with a clubfoot or a person with polio finding an excellent Orthotic, prosthetic centre. In search of O&P facilities, situations for all such cases are the same with different intensities.

It is vital to understand what an Orthotics Prosthetics facility has to offer to the patients. We came up with a list of things that are necessary in any Orthotics Prosthetics facility in the world:

Immersive environment

One of the most important things about an Orthotics Prosthetics facility is the environment that makes patients feel at home. If you find any hospital or medical facility catastrophic, it only worsens the situation. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to the environment. You may have visited someone in a hospital where cleanliness is top-notch, the facilities are fantastic, and the staff is caring. These things may seem simple on the outside, but they go a long way.

Goal-oriented team

Setting goals is a sign of activism, energy, and motivation. Orthotist/ Prosthetist is supposed to give hope, inspiration, and strength to the patients and if the team does not seem to be goal-oriented, then maybe you have to think twice before choosing them.

Tech & equipment

The field of medical science has evolved quite a lot over the past few decades. Similar is the case with O&P. Starting from leather, metal and wood; this field has now grown to its best in recent years. Development of composite materials, Innovations in plastics, specialized types of equipment & tools, lightweight, durable components, and above all, the techniques have changed the applications of Orthosis and Prosthesis. It is necessary to equip an Orthotics Prosthetics facility with all these facilities. If you do not find the facilities up to the mark, then it is not worth it. 

Empathy & motivation

Orthotist/Prosthetist needs to be empathetic towards the patients. Positive communication builds a healthy connection based on trust, loyalty, and respect, which fuels the recovery in the rehab process. It will not hurt to ask around about how empathetic and motivated the staff members of an Orthotics Prosthetics facility are towards their patients and their families. The fundamental step of getting physical rehabilitation started is making the patient comfortable. The patient must feel that he or she is safe. 

O&P Quality

In today’s day and age, if the quality is not a part of the process, whether it is modern methodologies or high-tech equipment, then the facility is far behind the fine line. Do not hesitate to shoot some questions about comparison with other similar facilities in the city.

On-site Physiotherapy/Occupational therapy/Psychology 

Many Orthotics Prosthetics facilities take pride in having on-site physiotherapists/Occupational therapists/psychologists available at their disposal. They have a vital role in the rehabilitation process with orthotics and prosthetics. It should not concern you whether they are visiting or available full-time. What matters is that the patients can reach out to these specialists anytime they want. Do not overlook if the Orthotics Prosthetics facility you are considering does not have access to consult them. 

Gait Training or Exercise Gym

Several elements help you determine whether the facility you are choosing is up to the mark. One of the essential aspects is the gym/exercise facility for the patients. The best Orthotics Prosthetics facilities in the world are famous not just, for their luxurious interiors and positive vibes, but also for every facility that helps patients recover faster. Exercise or Gait training is crucial to the lower limb amputees during rehabilitation.

Let us conclude this!

Life is full of difficulties, and that is the most brutal and undeniable fact. When a challenge punches you in the face and knocks you down on your knees, the only option left is to grasp whatever you can and pull yourself together. It is easier said than done until you find a solution to your problem. The purpose of this post was not just to help you move forward in your physical rehab, but also to educate you on opting for the right Orthotics Prosthetics facility. We expect an Orthotics Prosthetics facility to be the place where patients and their loved ones feel comfortable. Medical treatment is half the equation, whereas the other half is how strongly patients trust the Orthotists, Prosthetists, and rehab team attending those patients.

We hope now you would be able to choose the right facility for yourself or your loved one. What else do you think an Orthotics Prosthetics facility should offer? Please add in comments.