Achieving a successful practice in biomechanics and orthotic treatments requires experience and confidence.
Most young practitioners, in general, and in podiatry specifically, have excellent training in the medical and surgical management of the lower extremities, but limited background in the field of foot and ankle foot orthotics.
Gaining this experience and confidence may involve some on the job training and educating oneself. Fortunately, there are many resources on the subject available, with plenty more on the horizon. Practice your casting technique on whomever will volunteer, it is absolutely painless! Watch people walk, in your office and everyday life. Gait analysis is an art that must be practiced gaining expertise. Spend the time to thoroughly examine the patients for their particular biomechanical needs, learn to find the neutral position of the human foot. How does their structure line up with how they function? Is there a biomechanical root cause to a particular pathology you are seeing? What compensation mechanisms do you recognize?
It is important for your patients to have confidence in you, this happens more often when you have confidence in yourself. Figure out how you best communicate with your patient, practice scripts in your mind on what to say in a given situation. People will sense when you are an expert in your field and willingly trust you with their health and wellbeing.
When a patient asks, “What is the difference between your orthotics, and the less expensive arch supports at the drugstore?” you should have a concise, understandable and accurate answer at the tip of your tongue. What is you answer to this question?
The team at KevinRoot Medical is here to encourage and improve your practice, just ask!
