Cerebral Palsy Glossary

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Occupational therapist (OT) 
Therapists that help children and adults participate in the things they want and need through the use of everyday activities.

Optometrist 
Doctor of optometry who studies and treats disorders of the eyes, vision, and surrounding tissues.  Not a medical doctor.

Oral Motor
Control of lip, tongue and jaw muscles

Orthopedic 
Relating to the joints, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Orthopedist vs. Podiatrist 
Orthopedist is a doctor who specialises in preventing or correcting problems related to the joints, ligaments, bones and muscles, whereas a podiatrist is a doctor who specialises in preventing or correcting problems related to the feet.

Orthotics 
Lightweight devices that provide stability at the joints or passively stretch the muscles. Can be made of plastic, metal, or leather.

Orthotist 
Specialised professional who creates, measures, and fits orthotics

Osteotomy 
Operation to cut and realign the bones. Ex: to change the angles of the femoral bone and the hip joint.

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