An orthotist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the provision of orthoses including braces or other orthotic devices. An orthotist has overall responsibly of orthotics treatment, and can supervise and mentor the practice of other personnel. They are clinicians trained to assess the needs of the user, prescribe treatment, determine the precise technical specifications of orthotic devices, take measurements and images of body segments, prepare models of the limb, fit devices, and evaluate treatment outcome. In the United States, orthotists work by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Physical therapists are not legally authorized to prescribe orthoses in the U.S. In the U.K., orthotists are autonomous clinicians accepting direct referrals for orthotic assessment from doctors or other healthcare professionals.
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Orthotists in the context of Leg braces
Orthotics (Greek: Ορθός, romanized: ortho, lit. 'to straighten, to align') also known as orthology is a medical specialty that focuses on the design and application of orthoses, sometimes known as braces, calipers, or splints. An orthosis is "an externally applied device used to influence the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems." Orthotists are medical professionals who specialize in designing orthotic devices such as braces or foot orthoses.