Orthotic devices are intended to help improve the muscular or skeletal structure of the body. They can be used for a variety of reasons — such as assisting in the post-surgery recovery process, correcting problematic birth defects, accommodating muscle weakness due to injuries or illness, or managing issues like scoliosis. Treating pediatric patients requires not only patience and understanding, but extensive knowledge of pediatric anatomy and how the ideal orthosis should function to correct and support each child, as needed.
The process begins with an initial evaluation, during which our professionals will examine your child and consult their physicians and therapists. Factors like age, body type, condition, injury or illness, activity level, and more will all play a role in determining the orthotic device that is right for your child.
Once the evaluation is complete, your child will be measured and fit with their orthosis. A good fit is essential in achieving optimal results, so we take whatever time is necessary to ensure that the orthosis fits properly and your child is comfortable. After the fitting is complete, you and your child will receive instruction to help you both thoroughly understand how the device works, when to take it off, how to care for and maintain it, and how to don it properly.
Because continued care is essential to each child’s success with their orthosis, our practitioners routinely attend therapy sessions and work closely with your child’s rehabilitation team to ensure that proper progress is being made. As children age and grow, their device may no longer fit the way it should. Our experienced orthotists recognize those changes and make necessary modifications to the orthosis as soon as they are detected. Such timeliness in performing adjustments is just part of our continuing commitment to help your child succeed.
Note: In Arkansas, cranial remolding helmets (orthoses) designed to treat positional plagiocephaly in infants are exclusively provided by Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics does not fit cranial remolding helmets.