To honor this educational health incentive, The O&P PT will be addressing stroke awareness and the role of ankle foot orthoses in rehabilitation. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke and approximately 1 in 4 of those individuals will have a recurrent stroke.1 This interruption of blood flow to the brain […]
The O&P PT Posts
My students ask what I enjoy most about working in/teaching O&P rehabilitation and my resounding answer is always: learning. This is a fascinating field filled with hard-working, education-seeking individuals, compassionate, dedicated clinicians, and evolving technology. Every corner you turn is an opportunity to learn more and grow. To me, this is exhilarating! I can truly […]
While there is something alluring about the concept of the lone wolf, it cannot compare to the sophisticated and harmonious network of a pack. Efficient, mutually beneficial, led at the front by wisdom of experience and supported by strength. This carries to humankind. Support Groups Support groups have a long history in our society with […]
For over 100 years, Patriots Day has been more than a day to commemorate the 1775 Battles of Lexington & Concord, it has marked the day of the Boston Marathon (save for 2020 & 2021 courtesy the coronavirus pandemic).1,2 A 26.2 mile course traversing 8 towns and cities, commencing in one of my favorite parts […]
There are many factors that contribute to the high energy cost of prosthetic gait. Less muscle mass, shorter lever arms and changes to the vascular system are a few of the intrinsic factors leading to excessive energy expenditure.1 Compensations to combat this start off small and lead to bigger problems. Overuse, muscle imbalance and postural […]
Alignment is essential to efficient prosthetic gait. This is true of the TKA line with prosthetic alignment as it is of our own bodies in relation to the ground. In order for our muscles to work effectively, they must be advantageously positioned to work at their full potential. Tight, short muscles do not have effective […]
Our bodies have ways of adapting to situations to ensure we meet our short term goals. While the path of least resistance may seem like a sure direction at the start, it can often impede us from achieving our long term goals. This can be seen with prosthetic gait deviations. New unilateral prosthetic users often […]
The total weight of prosthetic componentry should fall within an individual’s body weight limits; in general, no more than 100 kg.1,2 Weaker leg and core muscles, reduced aerobic capacity and insufficient suspension can make a prosthesis feel heavier. Learning how to monitor & adjust your fit within the prosthetic socket and regularly performing stabilization exercises […]
Spring is here-let’s get up and moving! In celebration of National Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month, The O&P PT will be featuring a series of educational blog posts focusing on energy cost associated with prosthetic gait. ***** Walking with a prosthesis can take up to 100-200% more energy than typical gait1. This statistic […]
A place to share knowledge, promote collaboration and provide support for patients, professionals and people interested in orthotics and prosthetics rehabilitation. Follow this blog for resources, news highlights and information related to O&P rehabilitation across the continuum of care. April is National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. A befitting time to release the […]