Orthotics is the rehabilitative health science that deals with the application of external devices (orthoses) to the human body in order to align, protect, and improve the function of any given body segment. This is accomplished by using pressure systems and controls for motion, such as assistance or limitation, which is built into and applied by the orthosis. Then need for orthotic management may arise from a disease process, traumatic injury or may be congenital in nature.

The Orthotist provides timely and appropriate information to the client and rehabilitation team in order to enhance rehabilitative outcome and acceptance of the orthosis.

The Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) was founded in 1968 and incorporated in 1972 in order to assure the public of the highest quality of prosthetic and orthotic care. Their mandate is fulfilled by the certification of practitioners through national examinations, the accreditation of prosthetic and orthotic facilities and clinical schools, as well as mandatory continuing education.

The Certified Orthotist (C.O.) has successfully qualified for and passed a rigorous examination process by the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists.

Requirements to sit the certification examination include the successful completion of a recognized school program and a 22 month internship under the supervision of a qualified certifee. George Brown College (GBC) in Toronto offers the Clinical Program and is affiliated with Sunnybrook Hospital, the Bloorview MacMillan Medical Centre and Chedoke McMaster Hospital. Candidates for this Clinical Program require a university degree in a related field or a technical diploma in order to sit a written pre-admissions test. In-depth interviews with two teams of certifees are the last phase in the selection process. The Clinical Program provides structured learning with emphasis on patient centred problem solving over a two year period.

Certification is the recognition that the orthotist has met established standards and also reflects their committment to the profession.

Mr. Rayner is a Certified Orthotist under the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO), and a Certified Pedorthist under the College of Pedorthics of Canada, and has been active in the profession of Prosthetics and Orthotics (Artificial Limbs and Orthopaedic Bracing) since 1986.

He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Orthotics and Prosthetics from George Brown College in Toronto.

Previous positions include Director of Orthotics and Certified Orthotist at Clynch Prosthetic and Orthotic Laboratories, Calgary, Professor in both the Post Graduate Clinical Orthotics and Prosthetics Program and the Orthotic/Prosthetic Technicians Program at George Brown College/Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto and Certified Orthotist at West Park Hospital, Toronto. Along with his present practise, he continues to teach part-time where he instructs courses in both Clincial and Technical Biomechanics.

Mr. Rayner also plays active roles in the profession both provincially and nationally. He is a member of both the Ontario Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (OAPO), and the Canadian Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CAPO). He has sat on the Board of Directors for OAPO, has been involved in teaching the National Review Course put on by CAPO for three years consecutively, and has been an examiner in the annual Certification Exams by the CBCPO.

Applied Biomechanics Custom Orthotic Services is a proud sponsor of the Hoops 'N Hustle youth basketball program in the City of Guelph. Mr. Rayner has been involved with Hoops 'N Hustle for many years as a coach, convenor, and as Secretary / Treasurer of the program.

It is with this same community focus that Applied Biomechanics works to serve the orthotic and bracing needs of the people of Guelph and the surrounding area ...a local business at your service.

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