Andrew Dodds
Orthotics
Andrew has over 25 years experience working as an orthotist. He has a special interest in making low profile, user friendly AFOs for children with neurological conditions. His Masters in Biomechanics tested a lower profile design of AFO compared against a traditional sized AFO. He found that his AFOs were on average able to fit into footwear 1.5 sizes smaller compared to a standard AFO. Questionnaires given to children and parents reported that children found it easier to fit their AFO into footwear, walking on slopes and stairs were easier and they generally found having more flexility at their toes to be beneficial.
Andrew works closely with the paediatric multidisciplinary team with specialist physiotherapists and gait laboratory. He is aware that although we want to optimise lower limb biomechanics for an efficient gait, we must also take into consideration the ability to walk further, negotiate stairs or slopes. Sometimes children benefit from compromises to optimise the balance between gait and general mobility to allow children to walk more comfortably or further outdoors.
Andrew will be holding a monthly orthotics clinic at Watlington Wellness Centre so please contact him for an appointment.
(Each professional is responsible to their specific professional body and covered under their own private indemnity insurance. The Watlington Wellness Centre does not take responsibility for individual treatments or advice given.)