Orthotics is specialist field which is involved with the design, production, fabrication, of a wide variety of made to measure and off the shelf orthoses.

Orthoses are devices which are applied externally to any part of the body to prevent or correct deformity, to improve function of the affected area or to help reduce pain. Orthoses are sometimes also known as ‘splints’ or ‘braces’.

Allied Health Professionals (AHP’s) at Musgrove Park Hospital who practice in the field of orthotics, are orthotists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, (often referred to as hand therapists), orthotics practitioners, and apprentice orthotists. At Yeovil Hospital, this is managed by the hand therapy service.

When we receive a referral, for you we will triage this to ensure you are seen by the most appropriate clinician. We will arrange an initial appointment to assess and discuss your needs. If an orthosis is likely to be helpful for you, we may supply a stock item during the initial appointment, or we will take measurements and order an orthosis for you. In some cases, we will need to make a bespoke (made to measure) orthosis which will involve further measurements and sometimes either a cast or a scan of the part of the body affected. These orthoses will be fitted at a follow up appointment, and in some cases, more than one fitting is needed before the orthosis is ready to use. If you are seen by one of our hand therapists at Musgrove Park Hospital following and injury or operation to your hand, you will have a lightweight plastic splint which will be made to measure for you (bespoke). You may need several appointments for hand therapy and to adjust your splint. At Yeovil Hospital, this is managed by the hand therapy service.

If you are attending for problem with your feet or lower limbs, it is helpful to attend appointments wearing trousers which can be easily rolled up, shorts or a skirt so that we can easily assess your feet and lower limbs. Please also wear (or bring) a pair of trainers or sensible shoes with a lace or Velcro fastening. Please note that if you are being assessed for a spinal orthosis you may be required to remove your top layer of clothing so please wear or bring a t-shirt or vest to your appointment.

Orthoses are often provided include insoles, footwear adaptions such as raises, specialist footwear, knee braces and spinal orthoses.

Yeovil Hospital

We accept referrals from Consultants, GPs or other health professionals such as Physiotherapists or Podiatrists. We don’t accept self-referrals for new patients, but if you have been seen recently within the department you may call us directly to arrange a review appointment.

Musgrove Park Hospital

All referrals come to us electronically. This will either be from your GP or a consultant you may have seen. We also accept referrals from AHP’s, and these come electronically via NHS E-Referrals.