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Hands are a very important part of everyday life – from daily activities like brushing our teeth and eating, to work activities and sports. When your hands are not able to function properly, a specialized approach is needed to return you to the highest level of functionality possible.

Our team have received advanced training and certifications in treating conditions that affect the hand and upper extremity. One of the many tools in their treatment toolbox is the creation and implementation of custom orthoses, otherwise known as hand splints.

About Custom Hand Orthosis

Commonly referred to as a brace or splint, hand orthoses are made specifically for you and your medical needs by your hand therapist. Splints are made of moldable thermoplastic materials and are made to fit your hand, wrist, elbow, fingers, or a combination of the four areas.

A hand splint can serve many purposes, but the primary reason for splinting is most often the immobilization and protection of the hand. When the hand is immobilized, there is a much higher potential for healing. It also speeds up the healing process by forcing the affected area to rest.

Depending on your injury or condition, the splint can provide minimal, moderate, or maximum resistance. While your body heals, your splint can be adjusted to accommodate changes in swelling or motion, which will lead to a more successful outcome.

 
Different Types of Custom Splints

There are three categories of splints, each with their own goal: 

1. Static splints – Static splints have no moving parts.  The purpose of a static splint is to rest, protect, position, and immobilize the body part. Sometimes these static splints are remolded over and over to increase motion and decrease tightness.
2. Dynamic splints – Dynamic splints encourage movement of the involved stiff joints and tissues while correcting, positioning, or aligning them. Dynamic splints have moving parts that stretch joints or allow controlled exercises while wearing the splint. 
3. Static progressive splints – Static progressive splints apply both concepts of the previous splints, applying an adjustable stretch to a tight joint. The primary goal of these splints is to improve the range of motion of a stiff joint. As the stretching of the joint becomes easier to tolerate, the amount of force applied is adjusted.