Orthotics

KIDS for Families
NHS GGC
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What is an Orthotist?

Orthotists are registered healthcare professionals who specialise in the assessment of the whole body for biomechanical problems and if appropriate may prescribe, measure, fit, or review, an orthosis.

An orthosis is an externally applied device. It may also be called a ‘brace’, ‘splint’ or ‘orthotic’. The purpose and design of an orthosis may change over time along with the changing needs of the patient.

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What do Orthotists do?

Orthotists will assess the body to determine the treatment required. If needed they will capture the shape using measurement, tracing, scanning or casting and oversee the design, manufacture and delivery of the orthosis required.

They may also provide advice, signposting, stretches and exercises to assist with the patient’s treatment.

 

How can an orthosis help children and young people?

  decorative imageAn orthosis can:

  • Improve function
  • Reduce pain
  • Prevent deformity
  • Help with participation and engagement.

 Patient Information Leaflets and Videos

Below you will find information leaflets and videos on a variety of topics.

Fitting Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) to self

 

Orthosis Care and Repair

 

 

Insoles in Footwear

 

Where do Orthotists work in Specialist Children’s Services?

Orthotists run clinics in a variety of health centres and hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

Children and Young People Orthotic Services (Greater Glasgow, Specialist, Regional and National Children’s Services)

If you live in the Glasgow area or require information on Specialist, Regional and National Children’s Services then please visit the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow website for more information and contact details. 

 

Children and Young People Orthotic Services (Clyde)

If you live in the Clyde area then please visit Children and Young People Orthotic Services on the NHSGGC website for more information and contact details.

 

How do I contact an Orthotist?

If you need the assistance of an interpreter to make a telephone call to an NHSGGC service please visit Direct Patient Access to Interpreting Services for more information.

If your child or young person is known to Orthotics then you can contact them using the information below.

Children and Young People Orthotic Services (Greater Glasgow, Specialist, Regional and National Children’s Services)

Telephone Number - 0141 452 4651
Email - orthotics@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

 

Children and Young People Orthotic Services (Clyde)

Telephone Number - 0800 592087
Email - appointmentsbookingcentre@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

How do I share feedback about Orthotics?

How do I share feedback about Orthotics?

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is committed to providing high quality care and treatment to our patients, and excellent service to others who use its services. Your feedback helps us build on what works well and improve what could be better.

Feedback

We encourage sharing feedback with staff delivering care, but offer various other ways for you to tell your story. It’s important to us that you can share your feedback about NHSGGC at a time and place you feel comfortable. You can find out more on our Share your feedback page.  

Complaints

We understand, that sometimes things go wrong. If something goes wrong or if you are dissatisfied with something we have done, or have not done, please tell us and we will do our best to put things right. If we cannot resolve matters in the way you want, we will explain why it is not possible to do as you suggest. Find out more about our Complaints procedure or for further advice on how to make a complaint, please contact us via:  

Telephone Number - 0141 201 4500  

E-mail - Complaints@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 04/04/2025

Next review date: 30/04/2026

Author(s): Specialist Children's Services.

Approved By: KIDS Content Group, SCS Clinical Governance Executive Group

Reviewer name(s): KIDS Content Group.