Splinting
Our HPC Occupational Therapist focuses on working with individuals who have an injury or condition affecting the function in their hands or wrists. She is familiar with common hand therapy protocols and has extensive experience working closely with orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and family physicians.
HPC Splinting Practitioner
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| Laura Milne |
How are splints made and how can they help?
Splints can be used to treat a wide variety of hand and wrist conditions. Custom splints are made using low temperature thermoplastic material. The splinting material is heated and then molded to the individual’s hand or wrist. The splint is ready to take home that same day.
Splints may be used for:
· Protection – to optimize healing and prevent further injury
· Correction – to improve patterns of movement
· Reduction – to reduce pain or inflammation
· Enhancement – to enhance function and independence in daily activities
What does the HPC Occupational Therapy service include?
· Assessment of splinting needs
· Education on diagnosis and progression of the disease/injury and healing
· Splint education including recommended wearing schedule, splint care and precautions
· Fabrication and modification of appropriate splint
· Education on joint protection, activity modification and ergonomics
· Range of motion and strengthening programs as appropriate
What are some of the types of conditions or injuries that may benefit from splinting?
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· deQuervain’s tenosynovitis
· Fractures
· Mallet/boutonnière injuries
· Wrist sprains/strains
· Wrist tendonitis
· Ligament injuries/instabilities (i.e. skiers thumb, volar plate injuries)
· Arthritis
