Pedorthic Designations & Scopes of Practice

Certified Pedorthic Professionals are trained to address musculoskeletal injuries, medical conditions, disabilities, and diseases affecting the lower limb.

To learn more about each Pedorthic Designation, see the specific Scopes of Practice below:

These health professionals can provide:

  • A comprehensive assessment of the lower extremity* that includes postural and gait analysis, range of motion testing, palpation, special testing, footwear analysis, a detailed history and review of potentially complicating health factors.
  • A treatment plan for musculoskeletal injuries, medical conditions, disabilities, and diseases affecting the lower extremity*, that is developed following a comprehensive assessment and incorporates non-invasive treatment options to improve patient biomechanics, comfort and mobility. A treatment plan is implemented with a patient-centered approach, including patient education and shared decision making. It is evaluated over time in conjunction with other healthcare professionals when necessary.
  • Design of lower extremity orthoses to support a treatment plan that is developed following a comprehensive assessment, using a theoretical & applied understanding of appropriate casting methods, pedorthic lab materials and manufacturing techniques. 
  • Manufacturing foot orthoses. Modifications and adjustments of lower extremity orthoses and footwear based on the assessment results and patient goals.

C. Ped (C)’s may extend their scope of practice via additional qualifications, experience, or training, providing the area of practice is within the professional competence of the C. Ped (C).

*Lower extremity: The lower extremity refers to the part of the body that includes the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot. It consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels that work together to provide support, stability, and mobility for daily activities.
Source: https://www.yalemedicine.org/clinical-keywords/lower-extremity#:~:text=Definition,and%20mobility%20for%20daily%20activities.

The highest level of certification available. These health professionals are C. Ped (C)s and custom shoemakers who can provide:

  • All of the skills listed for a C. Ped (C)
  • Manufacturing custom orthopaedic footwear – including:
    • Measuring, casting and making original shoe lasts
    • Designing and creating upper patterns
    • Manufacturing and fitting of custom made shoes
    • Lasting and finishing of custom shoes

This is a closed membership category. These health professionals can provide:

  • Shoe fitting
  • Shoe modification and orthotic fabrication (from laboratory prescriptions provided by foot care professionals with the scope of practice to assess)
  • Orthotic fabrication
  • Shoe modifications
  • May perform duties of a clinical pedorthist under the direct supervision of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist (see the Standard of Supervision for further details)
  • A C. Ped Tech (C) cannot independently manage patient care

This is a closed membership category. Historically, COFS members were one of the founding groups that merged to create the Pedorthic Association of Canada. Recognizing the contribution COFS members have made to the pedorthic profession, The CPC verified their competency and has added the COFS category.

These health professionals provide:

  • Assessment for orthotics and custom footwear
  • Casting and measuring for custom footwear
  • Manufacturing of custom orthopaedic footwear, including:
    • Measuring, casting and making original shoe lasts
    • Designing and making upper patterns
    • Manufacturing fitting models of shoes
    • Lasting and finishing of custom shoes
    • Casting, manufacturing, fitting and adjusting of orthoses
    • Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear
    • Accommodating/incorporating complementary assistive devices