Custom splinting is a procedure that utilizes the hand therapists unique skill set to fabricate and provision customized splints for upper extremities. These splints are manufactured by moldable, low-temperature thermoplastic materials that allow the splint to be custom to not only the patient’s size but also their injury.
Custom splinting is most commonly used to treat conditions like muscle strain, neuritis, tendonitis, joint pain as well as specialized hand surgeries. These splints have exceptional benefits that you can’t obtain from a standard splint. In addition to providing rest for the strained or inflamed areas, the customized design insures that your appendage is resting in the correct position. These splints also can do the opposite of rest – they help to mobilize your stiff joints, scar tissue and contracted soft tissue.
Not only can they rest and mobilize but they can also help adjust for paralyzed or weak muscles, allowing you to use the appendage more effectively than with a traditional splint. If you have recently had surgery, these splints can offer additional protection as they can be molded to have barriers to common areas of post-op injury.
These customized splints do more than just stabilize, mobilize and protect, they can also help to rehabilitate post-op by providing therapeutic exercise for the affected areas. Immediately after surgery, they may be designed facilitate the early motion protocols that will help set up the individual for a more successful recovery.
Midwest Hand Therapy is experienced in developing custom splints and offers the ability to make modifications as needed to ensure that the splint is doing exactly what it needs to do!
Contact us today to find out more about our customized splinting to find out if your condition can be managed with a custom splint.
