CUSTOM SPLINTING (ORTHOTICS)
PEDIATRIC ORTHOTICS & KINESIOTAPING
Custom Splinting Design & Fitting at
Alaska Hand Rehabilitation
Orthotic devices can more commonly be referred to as splints. Splints can be custom or prefabricated and serve the purpose of immobilizing (static) or mobilizing (dynamic) a specific area of the body.
Custom splinting is used for patients with a wide variety of medical diagnoses and for pre or post-surgical patients.
We also specialize in pediatric orthotics.
Kinesiotaping is another method of orthotic treatment offered at Alaska Hand Rehabilitation.
Orthotic devices can more commonly be referred to as splints. Splints can be custom or prefabricated and serve the purpose of immobilizing (static) or mobilizing (dynamic) a specific area of the body. Custom splinting is used for patients with a wide variety of medical diagnoses and for pre or post-surgical patients. We also specialize in pediatric orthotics. Kinesiotaping is another method of orthotic treatment offered at Alaska Hand Rehabilitation.
Non-surgical Conditions Treated with Custom Splints:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Basilar Joint Arthritis of the Thumb
- Finger Dislocations
- Finger Fractures
- Tendon Injuries
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Joint Sprains/Strains
Surgical Conditions Treated with Custom Splints:
- Fractures
- Humerus
- Radius
- Ulna
- Carpal Bones
- Hand Tendon Injuries
- Ligament Repairs
- Joint Replacements
- Dupuytren’s Disease
- Surgeries for Arthritis
- Crush Injuries
- Recapturing Passive Motion following Immobilization
You can be confident the therapists at Alaska Hand Rehabilitation have in-depth knowledge and expertise in custom splinting for the upper extremities.
PEDIATRIC ORTHOTICS
“The intents of pediatric orthotics are protective, preventative or enhancement to the child’s upper extremity function and skill development.” – Coppard & Lohman
Children often have smaller, more delicate structures that require special care when fabricating orthotics for the upper extremity. An expertise in designing and molding pediatric orthotics is vital because of differences in size, shape, and growth patterns. The team at Alaska Hand Rehabilitation has the knowledge and skills required to design orthotics that will enhance a child’s participation in daily activities.
PURPOSES OF PEDIATRIC ORTHOTIC INTERVENTION
- Protection: fractures, tissue healing, protection of sutures, or edema control
- Prevention: muscle contractures, joint hypermobility, or deformity
- Functionality: joint positioning, muscle weakness, or increased range of motion
CONDITIONS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM PEDIATRIC ORTHOTICS
- Arthrogryposis
- Joint Hypermobility
- Bone Fractures
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Low Tone
- Burn Injuries
- Contractures
- Cerebral Palsy
MATERIALS USED IN PEDIATRIC ORTHOTIC CREATION
Most orthotics are created from thermoplastic, which is a material that becomes soft when heated. While the material is soft, the plastic is molded over the extremity and hardens when cooled. This allows the contours of the extremity to directly fit to the orthotic. There are a variety of different thermoplastic materials, all which have unique properties.
Prefabricated orthoses are typically made of a nylon material with terry cloth insides. These often require precise measurements in order to find the most appropriate size and shape.
KINESIOTAPING
Kinesio Tape is an elastic adhesive tape developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979. Kinesio Tape is latex-free, hypoallergenic and can be worn for days at a time.
How Does it Work?
“Kinesio Tape alleviates discomfort and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting effect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation, reducing pressure while enabling a more effective flow of lymphatic fluid in and out of the target area.
Kinesio Tape can be applied in hundreds of ways and has the ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce inflammation, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing, and assist in returning the body to homeostasis.” – Kinesio Website
Conditions That Can be Treated with Kinesiotaping:
- Joint instability
- Repetitive Strain injuries
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
- Nerve Injury
- Sprain/Strain
- Posture
