Orthotist Training Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Orthotics and Prosthetics

Defines orthotics, distinguishes it from prosthetics, and outlines the history of the field. Provides the conceptual baseline for all subsequent clinical content.

Lesson 2 • Orthotic Terminology and Classification

Introduces standardised nomenclature and device classification systems used in clinical and billing contexts. Ensures accurate communication across care settings.

Lesson 3 • Professional Roles and Ethics

Covers the orthotist's responsibilities, interdisciplinary team roles, and ethical obligations. Connects professional conduct standards to patient safety outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Paediatric and Geriatric Anatomical Considerations

Highlights anatomical differences across the lifespan that affect orthotic fit and function. Ensures age-appropriate device selection and modification strategies.

Lesson 2 • Skeletal Anatomy and Bone Mechanics

Reviews bone structure, joint types, and skeletal alignment relevant to orthotic loading. Links bony anatomy to device contact points and force distribution.

Lesson 3 • Muscular Anatomy and Function

Covers muscle groups, attachment sites, and functional roles in movement and stability. Connects muscle weakness or spasticity patterns to orthotic design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Neuromuscular Control and Pathology

Explains neural control of movement and common neuromuscular conditions encountered in orthotics. Prepares students to interpret clinical presentations requiring orthotic management.

Lesson 1 • Materials Mechanics and Stress Analysis

Covers stress, strain, and material fatigue relevant to orthotic component selection. Connects material properties to device durability and patient safety.

Lesson 2 • Joint Mechanics and Orthotic Control

Analyses joint moments and how orthotic joints and stops modulate motion. Enables students to prescribe appropriate joint mechanisms for clinical goals.

Lesson 3 • Three-Point Force Systems

Explains the three-point pressure principle central to orthotic correction and control. Students apply this system to design corrective forces for common deformities.

Lesson 1 • Metal Components and Structural Frames

Introduces aluminium, steel, and titanium components used in traditional and hybrid orthoses. Prepares students to select and modify metal uprights, joints, and bands.

Lesson 2 • Thermoplastic Materials and Processing

Covers low- and high-temperature thermoplastics, their properties, and forming techniques. Directly enables students to fabricate the most common orthotic device types.

Lesson 3 • Workshop Safety and Quality Control

Establishes safe workshop practices, tool use, and quality inspection protocols. Ensures fabricated devices meet structural and dimensional standards before patient fitting.

Lesson 4 • Soft Goods, Padding, and Interface Materials

Covers foams, liners, strapping systems, and skin interface materials used for comfort and pressure relief. Connects material choice to skin integrity and patient tolerance.

Lesson 1 • Physical Examination Techniques

Covers range-of-motion testing, muscle strength grading, sensation assessment, and postural evaluation. Provides objective data needed to select and design appropriate orthoses.

Lesson 2 • Measurement and Casting Procedures

Instructs students in anthropometric measurement, plaster casting, and digital scanning for custom devices. Accurate capture of anatomy is prerequisite to proper device fit.

Lesson 3 • Outcome Measures and Goal Setting

Introduces validated functional outcome tools and patient-centred goal-setting frameworks. Enables objective tracking of orthotic intervention effectiveness over time.

Lesson 4 • Orthotic Prescription Formulation

Guides students through selecting device type, materials, joint mechanisms, and trim lines based on assessment findings. Connects clinical data to a complete, justified prescription.

Lesson 1 • Ankle-Foot Orthoses

Teaches AFO design variations, trim line selection, and alignment for conditions such as drop foot and spasticity. Covers both prefabricated and custom fabrication pathways.

Lesson 2 • Foot Orthoses and Insoles

Covers plantar pressure management, arch support design, and accommodative vs. functional insole fabrication. Addresses conditions including pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot.

Lesson 3 • Knee Orthoses and KAFOs

Addresses knee orthosis types for ligament support, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation, plus KAFO design for paralysis. Integrates knee and ankle control strategies.

Lesson 4 • Lower Limb Fitting, Alignment, and Checkout

Establishes systematic checkout procedures for static and dynamic alignment of all lower limb devices. Ensures devices meet functional and safety standards before patient discharge.

Lesson 1 • Elbow and Shoulder Orthoses

Teaches elbow extension and flexion orthoses, shoulder immobilisers, and functional arm supports. Connects device selection to post-surgical and neurological rehabilitation goals.

Lesson 2 • Hand and Wrist Orthoses

Covers static, dynamic, and serial casting orthoses for hand and wrist conditions including tendon repair and stroke. Addresses positioning, mobilisation, and immobilisation goals.

Lesson 3 • Thoracolumbar and Lumbosacral Orthoses

Addresses TLSO and LSO designs for fracture management, post-surgical support, and chronic low back pain. Covers corset, rigid, and custom-moulded device options.

Lesson 4 • Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Management

Teaches curve measurement, brace design principles, and wear protocols for idiopathic scoliosis and kyphosis. Integrates radiographic interpretation with orthotic prescription.

Lesson 1 • Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Referral

Establishes communication protocols with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses. Prepares students to function effectively within rehabilitation care teams.

Lesson 2 • Fitting, Delivery, and Patient Education

Covers final device delivery procedures, donning and doffing instruction, and wear schedule counselling. Ensures patients can use and maintain their orthoses safely and independently.

Lesson 3 • Specialty Populations and Complex Cases

Applies orthotic principles to paediatric, geriatric, oncology, and sports medicine populations with unique needs. Develops clinical reasoning for non-standard presentations.

Lesson 4 • Complications and Skin Integrity Management

Identifies pressure injuries, skin breakdown, and device-related complications with prevention and management strategies. Connects skin assessment findings to immediate device adjustments.