Orthotics Changes Lives

Patricia McCotter & DM ORTHOTICS

CHANGING LIVES AND BUILDING INDEPENDENCE

Patricia McCotter is the UK Clinical Manager and Clinical Specialist Orthotist with DM Orthotics. We spoke to her to find out what an orthotist does and how they can make a difference.

HAVE you ever wondered what an orthoses is or what an orthotist does and how they can support you? We interviewed Patricia McCotter to find out more about orthotics, her journey and what DM Orthotics can do for you…

Hi Patricia, can you tell us why you decided to become an orthotist?

I became interested in and aware of prosthetics when Rick Allen, the drummer from Def Leppard, lost his arm in a car crash. I was a big fan and thought I could make him a replacement! That led to me studying Prosthetics and Orthotics at Strathclyde University in 1994. It was orthotics that most interested me, though.

What does an orthotist do?

We specialise in correcting issues that result from neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions by prescribing orthoses (artificial external devices) that are specifically designed to help patients move in a way that is as painfree and energy efficient as possible.

Working closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists, we carry out an assessment of the whole body. Once biomechanical problems have been identified, individuals are measured up for an orthosis that can significantly improve their quality of life.

When did you join DM Orthotics and what does your current role involve?

I joined DM Orthotics in 2015 as a clinical specialist orthotist and became the company’s UK Clinical Manager shortly afterwards. I continue to practice as an orthotist in Scotland and help patients throughout the UK by means of virtual appointments - a new way of working during COVID that has meant I can now assess people in the comfort of their own homes. I guest lecture undergraduate students at Strathclyde University and speak at country-wide educational days for other allied healthcare professionals. I also help the DM Orthotics team with their research projects, work with our physiotherapists and orthotists to provide excellent patient care and am involved in the development of new products. stimulation. Patients living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome are often referred to us too. The condition affects connective tissues and makes joints very unstable. A DM Orthotics’ shoulder orthosis or DMO shorts can be used in such cases to prevent dislocations or subluxations and improve the body’s ability to sense its location, movement and actions. Basically, orthotists are problem solvers who assess each patient, discuss their issues and concerns, then use their professional skill and experience to find a way forward.

someone’s life for the better is amazing and the brilliant, caring and motivated team I work with is also a joy. It’s impossible to say what my aspect of my job is best – I genuinely love it all.

Can you give us some examples of the difference orthoses can make?

Orthoses can be the difference between being able to walk or not, being able to lift a cup without spilling the contents and even between having to have surgery or not. For children with neurological conditions, early intervention is vital in ensuring the best learned patterns of movement are achieved or to correct their posture and prevent or slow down the progression of scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Adults who have suffered a stroke or have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis may have “dropped foot” – the inability to clear their foot when walking which can cause trips or falls. Correcting the problem might involve a dorsiflexion sock, an ankle foot orthosis or functional electrical

“ORTHOSES CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING ABLE TO WALK OR NOT, BEING ABLE TO LIFT A CUP WITHOUT SPILLING THE CONTENTS.”

What do you love most about your job?

I love everything about my job. Most of the people I see have lifelong conditions and remain in my care for a long time. That means I really get to know them and have even been invited to their weddings. Being able to change DM Orthotics is a world leading creator of medical rehabilitation and sports performance products. They provide elastomeric, dynamic movement orthoses to over 25 countries, helping to support people with a wide range of impairments and conditions. Conducting research and further product development, their core aim is to improve the lives of the people they work with.

Their design and production process incorporates state-of-theart technology with traditional tailoring to produce individually custom-made dynamic movement orthoses that are unmatched in their function and quality. They work towards a single goal – to improve function and encourage independence for the user.

The clinical consultation process starts with a DMO (DM Orthotics) trained clinical specialist, who assesses the patient to see if a DMO product will assist in the management of symptoms associated with the patients condition. If DMO is considered suitable, the clinician will measure and prescribe an orthoses. The prescription is then processed in their factory, dispatched and sent to the customer to be fitted by a DMO trained clinician.

If you would like more information about DM Orthotics or are

considering whether an or these would benefit you, you can check out their website here - DM Orthotics

or contact them via their phone number - 01209 219205