The service is for the specialist assessment and prescription of orthoses to manage acute and long term conditions to improve posture, function and mobility and reduce pain.
The service is for children and adults , and works closely with other specialities, particularly occupational therapy and physiotherapy
Referrals can be made to Airedale Hospital Mobility Services for an Orthotic assessment when the patient is lawfully entitled to receive NHS treatment and has an acute or long term condition requiring specialist Orthotic assessment.
Common examples and benefits include (but are not limited to):
Orthopaedics – pre & post-operative joint support and rehabilitation
Arthritis and rheumatic conditions – pain relief
Acquired neurological conditions such as Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury
Diabetes – orthoses for preventing and reducing ulceration
Developmental Neurological conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy - contracture prevention and management, gait optimisation
Limb weakness such as in polio, Guillain-Barré syndrome , Motor Neurone Disease and Multiple Sclerosis - improve independence and mobility
Vascular and tissue complications – pressure relief and management of oedema
Biomechanical and musculoskeletal foot dysfunctions associated with a long term condition – manage posture and functional alignment for pain relief and prevention of reoccurrence
Foot deformities which cannot be accommodated in ready-made shoes
The Orthotist will identify the orthotic needs with the patient before agreeing the most suitable provision. Referrals which do not meet these criteria will be signposted with advice.
Patients presenting with plantar foot pain but without complex pathology should be encouraged to self-care with exercises and try off the shelf devices before being referred for specialist support.
Orthotic services DO NOT PRESCRIBE FOR:
Any item where there is no specific clinical or biomechanical need
Simple devices available from retailers including basic insoles, wrist splints and braces, silicone toe spacers and compression hosiery available to purchase from retailers without prescription
Footwear for forefoot and toe deformity which can be met within the range of extra wide or deep shoes available to purchase from retailers without prescription
Footwear or insoles for flexible flat feet or hallux valgus/rigidus with no associated symptoms or co-morbidity
Recurrent patella dislocation or Osgood Schlatters disease
Safety footwear where the employer should provide Personal Protective Equipment
Items solely for sporting or educational purposes or because of socio economic reasons or historic practice
What does it do?
We carry out specialist assessment and provide orthotic solutions to people with problems of the neuro muscular and skeletal systems. . We supply and fit a wide range of body supports including insoles, specialist footwear, limb splints, protective helmets and devices to protect joints.
Who is it for?
The Orthotics Service assesses children ,young people and adults who need to improve their walking or prevent or correct joint deformities
Your doctor, paediatrician or other health professional can refer you. The referral form is available via the Mobility Services Website. All clients are seen in a clinical environment at Airedale Hospital, Skipton General Hospital Outpatients, Ilkley Coronation Hospital, Bingley Canalside Health Centre, Settle Health Centre and special schools dependent on your specific needs.
The Bradford SEND Local Offer is a free and impartial service provided by Bradford Council. The information contained within the website is available for the purposes of identifying services and provision that are available to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This information does not represent a recommendation or an endorsement of a Service or Provider and neither does the Bradford Council or its partners make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of the information.
Anyone seeking to use or access a service or provision is responsible for undertaking their own checks to determine the suitability and fitness for purpose of that service and provision. Some providers will be registered and inspected by external agencies, such as Ofsted or the Care Quality Commission. Anyone working with children and young people will be required to have appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service Check (the replacement for the Criminal Record Check), safeguarding policies and insurance in place, which they should make available to you on request.
