Orthosis rehabilitation is a treatment method that covers how orthoses, used to provide support to the body due to musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, or functional losses, are applied during the rehabilitation process. Orthoses are devices commonly used to ensure joint stability, increase muscle strength, reduce pain, and accelerate functional recovery. Orthosis rehabilitation is implemented to teach the effective use of these devices and to help patients achieve optimal results during the treatment process.
Main Goals of Orthosis Rehabilitation: 1. Providing Stability and Support: Orthoses provide stability during movement by supporting weakened, injured, or damaged joints, muscles, and ligaments. This helps the patient to properly bear their body weight during the healing process.
2. Reducing Pain: Orthoses contribute to pain management by reducing pressure applied on joints and muscles. They may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Accelerating Functional Recovery: Orthosis rehabilitation focuses on functional improvement to enable patients to perform daily activities more comfortably and improve their quality of life.
4. Increasing Mobility: Especially aimed at increasing the range of motion in joints and muscles to help patients become more active and independent.
5. Reducing Risk of Injury: Using orthoses can help prevent new injuries by correcting structural imbalances in the musculoskeletal system.
Orthosis Rehabilitation Process Orthosis Selection and Design Needs Assessment: First, the type of orthosis needed by the patient is determined. For example, a knee orthosis may be preferred in cases of knee injury or ligament rupture, while an ankle orthosis might be chosen for ankle problems. Individual Design: The orthosis is customized according to the patient’s physical structure and treatment requirements. During the design process, the patient’s pain, movement limitations, and functional needs are taken into account.
Orthosis Usage Training Putting On and Taking Off the Orthosis: Patients are taught how to properly put on and remove the orthosis. This is important for comfortable daily use. Precautions in Orthosis Use: Patients are informed about certain rules and points to consider for living compatibly with the orthosis, such as proper fit and avoiding excessive tightness.
Physical Therapy and Exercise Programs Muscle Strengthening Exercises: Orthosis use can help increase muscle strength, but additional strengthening exercises are also performed. Muscles around the joints are strengthened to maintain balance.
Stretching and Mobilization Exercises: Techniques aimed at improving joint mobility are applied. These exercises help joints move more freely and support healing.
Balance Exercises: Especially important for patients with orthopedic problems. Maintaining balance while using an orthosis can reduce the risk of falls.
Pain Management and Recovery Pain Management: Orthoses are often used to alleviate pain. By increasing joint stability, they reduce excessive pressure and tension during movement. Additionally, cold/heat therapies and massage techniques used alongside orthosis can help manage pain.
Monitoring Recovery: Orthopedic specialists and physiotherapists regularly track the patient’s healing during rehabilitation. Adjustments can be made to the orthosis if progress requires.
Adjustments and Follow-up in Orthosis Use
Adjustments and Improvements: Orthoses can be adjusted periodically to perfectly fit the body. This is especially necessary for changes in the patient’s body structure (weight loss, muscle strength changes, swelling, etc.). Periodic Follow-up: Orthoses may wear out or deform with long-term use. Therefore, regular check-ups are done to monitor device effectiveness and patient health.
Orthosis rehabilitation is a critical treatment process aimed at accelerating recovery and increasing functional capacity after musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Orthosis use provides pain management, increases mobility, and helps patients return to normal daily activities. The rehabilitation process involves proper orthosis selection, training, exercises, follow-up, and psychological support.
