The orthoses we fabricate provide a rare concrete and objective representation of our intervention skills. The end product is visible to the user, referral source and those who interact with the patient. It is our “business card.” When the orthotic is well made, comfortable, demonstrates creative problem solving and helps either protect a healing structure or restores motion and function, it represents us and our professional competence well. If not, it serves the opposite effect. While not every hand therapist fabricates many different orthoses, we are expected to demonstrate a high level of expertise — every orthosis for every patient.
As a clinic director and instructor for many orthosis fabrication courses, I have seen skill level and judgment increase markedly through practice, repetition and sharing of techniques and ideas. Orthotic lab fabrication courses provide participants with a unique opportunity for interaction, feedback, creativity and improvement. When teaching a course, it is easy to see how participants learn more from interacting and sharing tips and challenges with one another than anything on my formal agenda.
Whether through ASHT’s Hands on Orthotics program or other organizations, I encourage you to make improving your orthotic fabrication skills part of your 2013 agenda. Participation and practice will enable you to expand the “treatment toolbox” you have to help your patients, enable you to market your intervention skills and help the hand therapy community defend why custom orthosis interventions are such a critical component of our specialty.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!
The next scheduled Hands On Orthotics will be held January 26, 2013 in Richmond, VA. Space is limited - reserve your seat now! Learn more
