Orthoses are custom-made medical appliances used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities of a body part, or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.

The Medical Field of Orthotics

The field of orthotics is an area of medicine specializing in the design, fabrication and fitting of orthoses.

Certified orthotists evaluate and design solutions for patients requiring an orthosis due to muscle/bone impairment, disease or deformity. Their primary goal is to restore mobility and to prevent or limit disability. Prescribed orthoses can provide support to those with fractures, muscle tears, and spinal cord injuries, and limit the effects of challenges resulting from birth complications such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Some examples of orthoses include knee braces, elbow supports, protective facemasks, halo collars, ankle, foot or leg braces, and spinal and neck braces.

Certified orthotists take a holistic approach to their patients, carefully analyzing the chronic problem or injury as well as the underlying cause. With a thorough understanding of the ailment and patient lifestyle through physical and bio-mechanical assessment as well as gait analysis, they can then design and manufacture the customized, appropriate support.

Orthotists in Canada are highly trained, certified experts in the specialized science of custom orthoses. Although there are many avenues to access a variety of orthotic devices, a certified specialist will ensure treatment is a part of your overall medical evaluation and long-term management.

Certified orthotists look much deeper than the single injury or chronic ailment. They will consider the underlying medical cause and resulting effects of the problem, as well as the overall health and lifestyle of the patient to help define the requirements of the orthopedic appliance, protective device or brace.

You can also be confident that your certified orthotist is up to date in today’s technology through mandatory professional development and ongoing certification requirements.
In-depth technical and clinical training is required, as well as an extended internship period prior to receiving certification in Canada.

Whether your orthotic requirements are the result of injury, disease or congenital problems, be sure to have your doctor refer you to a certified orthotist and member of CAPO.

Through our years of experience we have come across many examples of outstanding success achieved by our members in the field of orthotics. Whether in breakthrough technologies or unparalleled patient care, our members set the standard for excellence.

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Prostheses are custom-made medical devices designed to replace a missing part of the body. Arms and legs are considered the most common prostheses as they are often the most visible. With medical advances in design and development, they are but a segment of the other replacements developed within the scientific field of prosthetics.

The Medical Field of Prosthetics

The field of prosthetics is the branch of medicine involving the design, fabrication, fitting and use of artificial body parts (prostheses) intended to replace a portion of the body absent at birth or lost through amputation.

A prosthetist’s goal is to return the patient to the highest activity level possible within the limitations and challenges created by his or her impediment.

Your certified prosthetist is a highly trained professional, experienced in the design and manufacture of artificial body parts. They work closely with a team of medical professionals that may include your physician, surgeon, physical, and occupational therapist to ensure the best results for each individual. Continuing patient care and evaluation of any changing conditions or requirements also helps to maintain optimum use of the device.

The members of CAPO offer their patients practical, effective prosthetic solutions to their medical challenges along with the care and support that comes from a holistic approach to their profession. Setting the standard for excellence, our members offer examples of innovative advances in technology and the strength of the human spirit when meeting some of life’s most difficult challenges.

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When your doctor refers you for further treatment requiring a prosthetic device, it is important to know that you are sent to the most competent provider possible. Certified members of CAPO are highly trained, experts, having met the highest standards set out by the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO).

Certified members of CAPO are professional specialists that will ensure the treatment prescribed is an integral part of your overall medical evaluation and will participate as a key member of the medical team should long-term management be required.

CAPO Supports CBCPO Certification

To become certified and to receive the appropriate designations from the Canadian Board For Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO), certified members of CAPO have undergone in-depth clinical and technical training as well as an intensive internship, followed by a national certification exam. You can also be confident when referring to a certified practitioner that they are up-to-date in today’s latest technology through mandatory professional development and on-going certification requirements.

To find a member of CAPO in your region click here.