By Rebecca Storey, OTR/L
What do you think of when you think of Hand Therapy?
Most the time we think of “splints,” or in Medicare terms, “orthosis.” Custom orthoses can be fabricated using a thermoplastic material that is uniquely molded to the individual, depending on the body part or area being treated. Your doctor may order a custom orthosis for many different reasons, which may include:
Post-surgical positioning for proper healing
Arthritis and/or joint support
Tendon injuries
Nerve injuries
Functional positioning
Correction for joint abnormalities (pediatric and adult)
Broken bones
Joint protection while engaging in sports
And various other conditions
With your therapist’s expertise and using the specialized materials, each orthosis is cut, then mold specifically to the individual and the area being treating. The benefit of this is the therapist can make adjustments or modifications in order to maintain skin integrity, minimize pressure points, allow for changes due to swelling, access to care for open and healing wounds, maintain proper movement patterns, increase ROM and many other benefits.
Hand Therapists have unique experience in this area due to their unique training, skilled hands and keen eye for details.
