Orthotics
We provide prescription insoles, braces, splints, calipers, footwear, spinal jackets and helmets. Each of these is called an orthosis or, if there are more than one, orthoses.
Orthoses are Class 1 Medical Devices which are provided to help people recover from or avoid injury, or live with lifelong conditions.
The correct supply and fitting of an orthosis can help improve quality of life by reducing pain, keeping people mobile and independent, and preventing more invasive and expensive interventions like surgery, amputation or the need for social care.
Who Is It for?
An orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes, assess and fits braces, splints and prescription footwear for people who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones.
Can Anyone Use This Service?: Orthotic Services are a tertiary service in our Health Board. You may be referred to this service by your consultant or, in certain circumstances, a HCPC-registered therapist.
What to Expect
IMPORTANT: Please bring with you any orthotic devices you may have been given.
The orthotist will carry out a full evaluation of the patient before formulating a treatment plan which, for most, will include the provision of an orthotic product (orthosis) or products (orthoses).
The orthotist ensures that the prescription orthosis will reflect the most appropriate solution to meet the clinical needs of the patient, and that the patient’s wishes are given a high priority.
The orthotist may take measurements, an impression or scan, to ensure the right sized orthosis is provided. You may receive an “off the shelf” orthosis at your first appointment, but often it will need to be specially ordered or made for you; in which case you will need further appointments.
When you receive your device, the orthotist will explain what you should expect from your orthosis and when and how to wear it. A review appointment may be arranged to check the orthosis, or a contact card given to report any issues.
The orthotic service provides care for both inpatients and outpatients, and for children and adults at a number of hospitals across our Health Board. There is no fee for this service in NHS Wales.
When You Have Received Your Device
The device has been prescribed for your use only and is supplied on long-term loan by our Health Board. You should not give the device to anyone else to use, as it may cause them harm.
Check your device for excessive wear each time you use it. It is your responsibility to keep the device in good repair.
Prescription footwear can sometimes be repaired at your local heel bar. Your orthotist will tell you if this is the case. For all other types of device, please contact the clinic which supplied the device for guidance or an appointment.
Replacement Devices
It is impossible to accurately predict how long an orthotic device will last. If you need a device long term, we will replace it when it is worn beyond economic repair.
Please contact the clinic that supplied your device if it is heavily worn, or if you are experiencing difficulty using it. When you attend the clinic, you will need to bring all the devices you have been given with you.
Contacting Orthotic Services
Royal Glamorgan Hospital: 01443 443290
Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda: 01443 430022 Ext 72478
Prince Charles Hospital: 01684 712308
Ysbyty Cwm Cynon: 01443 715119