When considering an orthotic, your physician likely recommended or prescribed it. However, before even getting to that point, you first need to consider which orthotist is the best fit for you, as choosing a great orthotist helps make the entire orthotic procedure as smooth as possible.

What To Consider When Choosing an Orthotist

When choosing an orthotist, there are many factors, such as orthotist credentials, office location, and reviews.

These factors are essential to check, as they greatly influence which orthotist is your best choice. Location, in particular, is often a strong influencer, as schedules may limit how far you can feasibly travel for appointments. Additionally, the best orthotist will want to see you for initial meetings, fittings, and follow-up appointments; because of this, choosing a location that is easy to travel to makes these many appointments, which are crucial for orthotic success, more attainable.

Reviews and feedback from others can also strongly influence when choosing an orthotist. However, it’s important to remember that what one person is looking for in an orthotist might differ from what you are looking for. Because of this, it is crucial to use these reviews as a starting point but still understand the importance of meeting with the orthotist and gauging their ability to meet your needs yourself.

What Makes a Good Orthotist?

Now that you have decided upon an orthotist, it is time for that initial consultation. Not only is this a time for your orthotist to discuss treatment and orthotic options, but it is also a chance for you to gauge their method and demeanor to determine if they are a good fit for you.

When at this initial appointment, look to see if your orthotist has the following qualities:

Excellent Communication

Your orthotist must have excellent communication skills because they need to be able to communicate effectively with you and the technicians that make the orthotics.

Effective communication with you, in particular, is crucial because they need to be able to explain how to use and care for your device. In the device-choosing process, communication with the orthotist is vital for ensuring the best orthotic is chosen.

Gets To Know You

When choosing your orthotic, your orthotist is crucial in helping you select the best one for your needs. However, they will only be able to do this if they take the time to get to know you, your lifestyle, and your goals with the orthotics.

There are many different types of orthoses, there is not one type that works for everyone. The best orthotist will analyze your gait, communicate with your care team, and will take all the information they gain about you to determine the best orthosis to meet your needs. As an added bonus, an orthotist with excellent communication will be able to (and want to) explain why they think this orthotic is the best choice for you so that you can be sure you are making the right choice.

Answers Questions

Having questions about the orthotic process is only natural, and you will want an orthotist who can answer any questions you may have. This goes beyond having the capability and knowledge to answer your question, but making the time to ensure you are comfortable.

Too often, patients feel as though they are rushed when meeting with a healthcare professional, which leaves many people feeling as though they did not have the time to properly ask their questions or receive the extent of an answer they need to understand fully.

The best orthotist will take the time to answer all your questions at every appointment. This will help ensure your needs are being met and your orthosis is being adjusted and adapted properly as you progress throughout your rehab process.

The first crucial step in the journey is finding a great orthotist that meets your needs when it comes to getting an orthotic. At Lawall Prosthetics & Orthotics, all our orthotists have excellent communication skills, get to know you, and answer any questions. Additionally, what takes them a step above the rest is their commitment to follow-up appointments, where they continue monitoring your orthotic and ensure it remains the best choice for your needs.

Contact us to learn more about our team if you’re looking for the best orthotist.