Custom splinting is a common procedure used in physical therapy for various orthopedic conditions of the upper extremities such as shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand. It involves the use of customized and specifically fabricated splints to restrict the movement of the affected joint as well as boost recovery. The splint provides support to the ligaments, nerves, tendons and soft tissues following an injury or surgery. The purpose of splinting is to offer relief from pain, discomfort, swelling and restore the strength of the affected muscles.
Types Of Splints Static Splints: These types of splints are mainly used to immobilize, protect and hold the injured tissues in place during the healing process. The material used to make static splints is quire firm such as steel, aluminum and certain types of plastic.
- Dynamic Splints: A dynamic splint has a fixed base with customized components that applies mild but static force to keep the joint or muscles towards a certain direction. These are used to regain movement in the joints that have become stiff following an injury or surgery. It also helps to restore the normal alignment of a dislocated or fractured joint.
- Static Progressive Splints: These splints also have a static base but apply mild pressure with the help of tape, adjustable hinges or screws. The purpose of a static progressive splint is to hold a stiff joint in its extreme end-range position and encourage it to increase its passive range of motion.
Conditions That May Require Custom Splinting
- Hand, Wrist Or Elbow Fractures
- Joint Dislocations
- Sprains And Strains
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Tennis Elbow
- Trigger Finger
- Muscle Strain
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
- Tendon Injuries
- Nerve Compression
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Post-Surgical Tendon Repair
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Mallet Finger
Benefits Of Custom Splinting
- Relaxes tender and swollen muscles, tendons, tissues and ligaments
- Provides support to weak and injured muscles
- Adjustable as swelling decreases
- Fabricated according to a patient’s joint structure to provide complete support
- Restores normal strength and flexibility of joints
- Provides protection to replaced or reconstructed structures following surgery
- Helps to mobilize stiff joints and constricted soft tissues
- Reduces the formation of scar tissue and contraction of tissues
- Facilitates early return to daily activities
- Maintains proper alignment of joint structures to prevent deformity
The physical therapists at OrthoTexas, specialize in providing custom splinting for a wide range of orthopedic conditions. For details about our physical therapy services you can call 972-492-1334