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| From Mary Kneiser |
For physical medicine practitioners like Mary Kneiser, the word “brace” has meaning beyond its dental connotations. Orthotics is a medical specialty that uses a device called an orthopedic brace to aid in the treatment and recovery of musculoskeletal disorders.
This discipline combines many sciences, including pathophysiology, anatomy, mathematics, and materials engineering to create the specialized braces used to aid people with conditions like scoliosis.
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| Mary Kneiser, Google Images |
Orthotic devices usually control the movement of a joint; they can also assist movement and aid in correcting the shape of the body to facilitate healing and promote pain-free movement. For the upper body, there are two types of orthotic devices that physiatrists like Mary Kneiser can recommend a patient to use:
• Static orthoses – do not permit movement and are used to provide rigid support for fractures, inflamed tendons, and other serious injuries
• Functional or dynamic orthoses – allow for a free to limited range of motion to help the function of weak muscles.
Braces can be made of plastic or composite materials, and are usually molded to the needs of the patient, although braces can also be bought over the counter.
It is recommend that braces should be placed on affected joints and appendages as determined by a qualified doctor. These areas include the spine, legs and knees, arms, and the hands, wrists, and feet. Choosing an appropriate brace, whether custom-made or off-the-shelf, can help bring back the functionality of a joint in relative safety and comfort.
More information on Mary Kneiser can be accessed at www.abilityassessments.com.
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| From Mary Kneiser |
