Final answer:
Orthotic devices are employed to maintain proper joint position, function, and body alignment, which helps to prevent rubbing, irritation, and pressure ulcers, and to assist with daily living activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Orthotic devices are used to help individuals with various needs related to movement and physical functioning. Specifically, orthotics serve to keep joints in correct position & improve function by ensuring proper alignment, thereby reducing stress on the joints. They can help in preventing rubbing, irritation, and pressure ulcers as well as assist residents with activities of daily living (ADL). Moreover, orthotic devices play a significant role in maintaining proper body alignment which is crucial for the wellbeing and mobility of individuals. Prostheses, an allied form of assistive technology, have seen improvements allowing for a wider range of activities and greater functionality for recipients.
Other methods to destress joints include using mobility devices like canes, which can alleviate the weight placed on weight-bearing joints and enhance stability. For those overweight, weight loss can also significantly reduce joint stress. Exercise is integral for maintaining joint mobility and increasing muscle strength, subsequently helping to keep bones in proper alignment and reducing joint stress. Exercises such as swimming, water aerobics, and biking are highly recommended for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) as they impose relatively minimal stress on the joints.
Physiotherapists are committed to improving physical functioning by designing programs to enhance patients' strengths, balance, and endurance. They also provide instructions on the proper use of assistive equipment and evaluate patients' ability to use these devices effectively.