Orthotist & Prosthetist
At Mary Free Bed Kids, orthotists and prosthetists help kids gain mobility, independence and confidence. Our orthotists and prosthetists support kids by crafting custom-made devices designed to support long-term independence.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after illness, injury, or surgery, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
What is an orthotist or prosthetist?
An orthotist or prosthetist is a specialized health care professional who uses advanced fabrication, collaboration and child-centered design to help patients build confidence, independence and mobility.
Our orthotists and prosthetists work with your child’s care team to design custom orthotic or prosthetic devices that can grow alongside your child.
From infants to teenagers, our orthotists and prosthetists support kids and teens.
What does an orthotist or prosthetist do?
An orthotist or prosthetist works with you, your child and your child’s care team to understand their needs and fabricate a custom orthotic or prosthetic to support their therapy goals.
Here’s what they do:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our orthotists and prosthetists use comprehensive evaluations to understand your child’s lifestyle, mobility, growth projections and measurements. This allows your orthotist or prosthetist to tailor your child’s device to their specific goals and mobility needs.
Design, Fabrication and Testing
After the comprehensive evaluation, our orthotists and prosthetists use the information from the evaluation to begin designing and fabricating a test device for your child. By testing device fit, our orthotists and prosthetists can ensure the best fit and function for your child.
Device Education
It can take time to adjust to using a new orthotic or prosthetic device. Our orthotists and prosthetists are there for you and your family to answer any questions you may have about safety and prosthetic care.
Ongoing Support
Orthotists and prosthetists understand that children’s bodies are constantly changing and growing. By providing ongoing support, our orthotists and prosthetists ensure that your child has the proper fit and performance to support your child’s long-term success.
Who can an orthotist & prosthetist help?
Orthotists and prosthetists work with children who may have:
- Congenital limb differences
- Limb loss and amputation
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Orthopedic conditions
- Scoliosis
- Cranial reshaping needs
Where Orthotists and Prosthetists Fit in Your Child’s Rehabilitation Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our approach to care is collaborative. Orthotists and prosthetists are one part of your child’s care team. They’ll work with other rehabilitation professionals to help your child maximize their independence and reach their goals.
Your child’s orthotist or prosthetist may work alongside:
- Physiatrists (rehabilitation physicians)
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
Why Choose Our Orthotists and Prosthetists
Our orthotists and prosthetists are specially trained in the design and fabrication of custom orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Choosing our orthotists and prosthetists means:
- Expert support for kids of all ages
- Custom-made devices tailored to your child’s unique needs
- Ongoing support
- Patient and family education
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
Virginia
