Hand Therapy Splinting Tips

An Occupational Therapist's journey as a hand specialist.

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Evaluation Materials:

ROM Measurements with goniometers

Sensory reeducation: Textured dowels, Sensory boards, 2 Point Disk-Criminator, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments

Fine motor evaluation: 9 Hole Peg Test

Treatment Materials:

Sammons Preston Rolyan Digi-Block Hand Exerciser

Scar management: Cupping with Bite & Sting Kit, Mini Massagers 

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Kinesiotaping for Hand Edema

#TIPS: For cases with severe hand edema, KT is an excellent method to reduce swelling.

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Desensitization techniques for Hypersensitivity

#TIPS: Make your own sensory boards to allow patients to use tactile sensation to re-educate nerves.

#TIPS: Make your own dowels by gluing different textured fabrics onto wooden sticks. Transition your patients from soft to rough textures.

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Hand Based Finger Extension Splint

•Materials: NC Spectrum Beige •Diagnosis: Long Finger MP Avulsion Fracture

#TIPS: Use thinner straps around the finger to prevent the straps from rubbing on adjacent fingers.

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Wrist and Finger Extension Splint

Materials: Prism Micro Black 1/12 inch

Diagnosis: Radial Nerve Palsy

#TIPS: The material is excellent for continuously worn splints due to the perforation pattern. This material has similar molding characteristics to Orfit.

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Hand Based Ulnar Gutter Splint

•Materials: NC Spectrum Perforated Beige 1/8 inch •Diagnosis: Boxer’s Fracture

#TIPS: Wrapping the straps around the proximal and distal portion of the splint allows for splint to be secured on patient’s hand.

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Wrist and Finger Extension Splint

•Materials: NC Spectrum Perforated Beige 1/8 inch •Diagnosis: Radial Nerve Palsy

#TIPS: Using a finger loop for the thumb allows the patient to incorporate hand into functional activities! A finger loop can be added with a rubber-band and a safety pin.

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Thumb Spica Splint

Materials: NC Spectrum Beige 1/8 inch

Diagnosis: S/P CMC Arthroplasty

#TIPS: You can number your straps if your patient is confused on how to don/doff splint!

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Forearm Based Ulnar Gutter Splint

Materials: NC Spectrum Perforated Beige 1/8 inch

Diagnosis:  S/P Ring Metacarpal Fracture

#TIPS: Make sure to give your patient cotton stockinettes to wear underneath their splint to allow for comfort and for perspiration! Buying a roll of stockinettes is much more cost effective for the clinic and you can easily cut a hole to allow for thumb space. Discuss with your patient proper hygiene to prevent skin breakdown.

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Radial Gutter Splint

Materials: NC Spectrum Beige 1/8 inch

Diagnosis: S/P ORIF Index Metacarpal Head; MP Dislocation

#TIPS: Rolling the end of the thermoplast near the thumb doubles the strength of the splint where it is rolled. This also ensures comfort for the patient and prevents the thermoplast from rubbing on patient’s thumb.