Private practice physical therapy, pediatric PT, orthotics, AFOs, and gait training—this episode shows PTs and clinic owners how to use ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) as a true treatment tool, not just a brace. If you work with neuro, peds, or complex gait patients, this is about improving outcomes through smarter foot and ankle strategy.
Amanda Hall, PT, breaks down how to design and apply a temporary AFO using casting materials—and more importantly, how to think about orthotics as a mass practice device that reinforces neuroplasticity and gait gains outside the clinic.
This matters because one hour of therapy isn’t enough. If your orthotic strategy isn’t aligned with your treatment plan, you’re missing carryover, efficiency, and better outcomes. For busy PTs and clinic owners, this is about sending your therapy home with the patient.
What you’ll learn:
When to use casting or AFOs vs manual therapy
How foot alignment impacts the entire kinetic chain
Why orthotics should support neuroplasticity
How to recommend (even if you don’t fabricate)
How to improve patient buy-in and compliance
Chapters
00:00 – Intro And Guest Return
03:00 – Casting With Purpose
10:00 – Building A Temporary AFO
25:00 – Trim Lines And Fit
38:00 – Orthotics As Mass Practice
49:30 – Three Questions
