What is bracing/splinting?
Bracing or splinting will prevent your hand or wrist from moving into specific directions. It is helpful in allowing your body to rest in a specific position and allow it to heal. It will help with pain management, edema control and injury prevention. Often splints are worn between 3-6 weeks.
Are there different types of splinting?
Yes, there are many different types of braces/splints available:
- Custom Splints: These custom made splints are fabricated to meet the exact requirements of the patient. They are fabricated in the clinic by a therapist using thermoplastic material, cast or aluminum. They can also be used instead of casting for a fracture or helping with most post operatively hand patients.Â
- Off the shelf splints: These are braces or splints that can be bought ready to use. These are helpful and cost effective strategies to help quickly fit your patients needs.
Understanding your patients needs and goals will help you to determine how to correctly prescribe a brace or splint.
