When a joint or tissue is injured, it often needs rest and support to heal. The body naturally goes through a process to heal injuries, however if not supported to enable rest, the injury can continue to happen and it takes a much longer time to heal. Our hand therapists (physiotherapists) make personalised splints/orthoses to allow the injured area to rest. As everyone’s hands are different sizes and unique, it is important to have these custom made to fit each individual perfectly.
At The Hands Physio , our splints are made with specific attention to comfort (edges are contoured and rounded) and functionality.
Our splints are made from Thermoplastic, which is a lightweight, water-resistant, malleable material that can be moulded to suit the area that needs it.
Research indicates that a greater level of function can be gained in a shorter time with thermoplastic splints and braces (Quadlbauer et al., 2016). Thermoplastic sports guards and splints can also help athletes of all kinds return to sport sooner than when they have heavy plaster of paris casts.
Thermoplastic splints allow a patient to complete their daily activities with greater ease, including being able to shower, bath and swim without needing to keep the splint dry
Our strength is in Diagnosis, Education and Custom Treatment Programs.
Every individual is assessed thoroughly and given an accurate diagnosis from their history and initial presentation of symptoms. Progress is re-assessed around three weeks to confirm diagnosis. If an injury is not tracking as expected from normal tissue healing time frames and there are no reasons for lack of progress, consultation with the team happens to check diagnosis and progress is accurate.
Injuries are explained in detail to each patient. Diagrams are drawn and photos of conditions are given. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, so they are fully informed of their condition or injury. Expectations like when to return to work, sport, music, and driving are given. Our therapists come alongside the patient to develop individual treatment programs, set up in conjunction with the patients’ goals and expectations.
Every patient contributes to their treatment program and what they are able to do, so they are actively involved in their rehabilitation.
Acute pain is when the body is working to heal structural tissue damage. Everything is done to ensure structural and mechanical integrity if maximised of the injured tissues.
Most wounds recover in the repair phase of healing. Our therapists look after your wounds by providing dressings that are applied with a sterile technique to avoid infection.
Joint mobilisation involves moving the joint back and forth in small oscillating movements further and further into range to restore the joints normal movement.
Massage helps to improve blood supply to the injured area, helping you recover faster.
Exercise is the body’s natural way of restoration to improve stability, mechanics, strength and movement to an injury. Whether the injury is from overuse, trauma, disease or surgery exercises are necessary to restore function.
Stretching is extremely beneficial for our joints, muscles and tendons. Not only do they help prepare your body work/exercises they ensure you are working at your optimum energy efficiency.