Prosthetics are devices used to replace a missing or damaged limb and make the wearer able to regain the functions that they previously have lost. This field has been around for centuries and has been advancing drastically in recent years as technology advances. Like prosthetics, orthotics are devices that are used to regain or enhance the function of a body part and again like prosthetics they are rapidly improving. Prosthetics focus on making anthromorphic limbs to replace missing ones for anything from cancer, and diabetes to birth defects. They are usually created to bring back human like characteristics and functions. Orthotics focuses more on rehabilitation devices such as braces and supports. Common uses for braces are to help straighten out scoliosis or help strengthen joints and assist movement. So as the name suggests an orthotic and prosthetic practitioner is a health care worker who specializes with the care, fitting and treatment of individuals who require artificial limbs and orthopedic …show more content…
From what I have found the need for O&P practitioners is rapidly increasing with about a 36% increase by the year 2022 (bls.gov). This rapid increase is due to many factors, but like most of the medical field this increase is due to increases in geriatric patients from the aging population from the baby boomer generation. It is also increasing due to increased bariatric patients and higher cases of obesity and diabetes (explore). Currently there are about 9000 jobs and 3000 more are estimated to open up by 2022 (bls.gov). Many who graduate as O&P practitioners make a career of it. This is due to many reasons, the first being the versatility of working environments. Since O&P practitioners are medical professionals they can work in many places such as a hospital, rehabilitation center, private practice, clinics and various laboratories dedicated to the process of creating and modifying O&P devices