Orthotics (Or-tho-tics) is the discipline involving the provision of Orthoses for the lower or upper limbs, trunk, neck or head.   An Orthosis is a device applied to or around part of the body.    Orthoses can reduce pain in, and improve function of, movable body parts, and provide prevention and protection against injury or deformity.

Orthoses can help with;

• Foot pain
• Ankle pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Back pain
• Wrist pain
• Elbow pain
• Sporting or ligament injuries
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Diabetic foot problems
• Arthritic pain or deformity
• Alteration of abnormal walking patterns
• Motor development delay in children
• Protecting an injured body part

 Orthoses function by applying forces to the body that will have therapeutic benefits.  The biomechanical forces within orthoses function by giving support, correcting misalignment, resisting or assisting motion, or through transferring load away from a painful or injured body part.

Gemma Abbott BSc (Hons),  MBAPO,  HPC registered

Gemma qualified as an Orthotist from Salford University in 2004 following the completion of a 4 year BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics Degree.
On graduating Gemma worked for a highly regarded Orthopaedic Hospital before moving to work for a primary care trust. Both positions have given her a diverse experience in Orthotic Treatment, encompassing Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Diabetes and Paediatrics.

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