What is an orthosis?

What if a brace could help your body move better?

An orthosis is a device worn on the outside of the body to support it. You may call it a brace.

Other names for it are brace, splint, or caliper. They are all the same idea. It is worn outside the body, never inside. It works with your muscles, nerves and bones.

• Worn on the outside

Think of a cast on a broken arm. It holds the bone still so it can heal.

So what does an orthosis actually do? It has a few main jobs.

Support helps a weak joint stay steady. Protect keeps an injured part safe while it heals. Correct gently guides a part into a better position. Relieve pain takes pressure off a sore spot. Now meet the expert. An orthotist is a medical professional who designs and fits these devices.

Here is one example. Someone has flat feet and sore arches, so they get foot orthoses.

The insole holds the arch up, so each step feels better and the body stays balanced. Let us recap. Orthoses can be many shapes, but they share one goal, helping the body work well. Quick check. Where is an orthosis worn?

An orthosis is an outside brace or splint that supports, protects and corrects the body, made by an orthotist.