Upon completion of Day 1 of this workshop training, participants will:

• Gain knowledge of the history, development and theory behind dynamic bracing and the difference between DAFOs and traditional AFOs.
• Understand which gait deviations can be affected by bracing.
• Be able to evaluate a specific patient for bracing needs
• Be able to observe and catalog gait deviations that can be improved through bracing.
• Understand the significance of a patient’s level of voluntary control and relevant range of motion to the bracing plan.
• Be able to identify or describe the best functional position for bracing a given patient.
• Know what a brace is expected to do for a patient and how the patient will move or be supported in it.
• Be able to identify which patient presentation group(s) a given patient is in.
• Be able to identify a group of brace design choices most likely to provide good outcomes for a given patient. Be able to blend the needs of all clinical team members in choosing a bracing solution for the patient.

Upon completion of Day 2 of this workshop training, participants will:

• Be able to identify the best functional position for a given patient.
• Gain hands-on training in casting precisely for custom DAFOs and measuring accurately for Fast Fit® orthoses.
• Be able to optimize an orthosis for maximum effectiveness based on patient presentation and individual patient needs.
• Be able to evaluate, troubleshoot and/or adjust a brace for desired fit and function.
• Understand how to access Cascade Dafo support resources for assistance with the bracing process.

DON BUETHORN

Don Buethorn, CPO
Don, the founder and owner of Cascade P&O and Cascade Dafo, devotes his energies to serving patients through the development and application of dynamic ankle foot orthoses. Teaching courses to fellow clinicians throughout the country allows Don to share the knowledge he’s gained during 30 years of innovation and experience to help patients beyond the scope of his own practice. Don enjoys canoeing and kayaking. Many of his best ideas are born while riding the waves. (University of Washington, 1980)