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What Is Thermoplastic Splinting?

Thermoplastic splinting involves the use of customized or prefabricated thermoplastic materials for the fabrication of custom made orthoses worn to immobilize specific parts of the body and protect them from further damage by maintaining the affected area in a certain position. In orthopaedic rehabilitation, thermoplastic splints are used following surgery or fractures. In neurological rehabilitation, thermoplastic splints are used to maintain muscle length and range of movement, especially when individuals are unable to stretch the muscle independently due to weakness, pain or spasticity. At cogent, our specialist physiotherapists trained on custom splinting will assess your eligibility for thermoplastic splinting and discuss the advantages and benefits of this useful treatment technique. Your therapist will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your splint throughout the recovery process. Splinting is most commonly used for managing conditions of the hand and upper limbs and the ankle and foot joints.

What Are The Benefits Of Thermoplastic Splinting?

It is important to maintain range of movement and prevent soft tissue shortening in order to be able to carry out functional activities with your arms and legs. Over time, thermoplastic splinting can be used to achieve better  range of movement at the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, trunk or lower leg. The benefits of thermoplastic splinting are:

  • Increased joint movement and functional use of the limb

  • Improved weight bearing and joint alignment 

  • Improved physical appearance of the limb

  • Increased confidence and pain-free procedure

  • Reduced pain, joint stiffness and need for further surgery.

  • Easier personal hygiene

Types Of splinting?

There are different types of splints, which varies depending on the amount of movement allowed. â€‹

  • Immobilization/Resting splints are used to immobilize a joint and/or ligaments while the tissues heal. It prevents movement by keeping the injured area in a protected resting posture.

  • Static splints are used to provide support and a proper posture during daily activities and while you rest.

  • Dynamic splints are used to improve motion in stiff joints by applying a passive stretch to the joint and surrounding tissues. They are often used in combination with range of motion and stretching exercises.

 What Are Some Specific Thermoplastic Splints You Offer?

Depending on your condition and specific goals, we are able to provide the following splints:

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  • Mallet orthosis for Zone 1 extensor tendon injuries.

  • Thumb opponens (short and long) orthoses for CMC and MCP joint of the thumb. 

  • Wrist orthoses

  • Finger orthoses for central slip injuries, volar plate injuries, swan neck deformity, and IP flexion contractures.

  • Radial and ulnar gutter orthosis

  • Hand based resting orthosis in flexion and extension

  • Median and ulnar nerve dysfunction and orthotic solutions

  • Isoforce orthosis

  • Static progressive orthosis

  • Dynamic orthosis for specific post-operative protocols and/or functional assist orthoses.

  • Relative motion orthosis

  • Elbow immobilization orthoses for anterior or posterior elbow immobilization

  • Orthosis for stiff proximal interphalangeal joints

  • Dorsal blocking splints

  • Forearm based resting splints.

  • Ankle foot orthosis

 What Is The Cost Of Thermoplastic Splints?

The cost of a splint varies and depends on the type and level of customization, materials used and frequency of modifications. Splints, like prefabricated ankle and foot orthosis are patient-ready and are relatively inexpensive. However, splints for post-operative hand recovery need to be custom-designed to meet your specific measurements making them more expensive. 

 Is There Insurance Coverage For Thermoplastic Splints?

Many health insurance providers cover thermoplastic splints ordered through your physiotherapist. Please, contact your insurance provider for clarification before getting fitted.

 Still Have Questions About Thermoplastic Splints?

We realize that patients who have never had a splint before tend to have lots of questions. It is a big decision and you need to make sure it will be right for you. We would be happy to connect you and answer all of your questions.

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