Thermoplastic splinting material is used when fabricating custom made splints. The splints can be made during a consultation with your Physiotherapist and may be remoulded to allow for reduction in swelling, maximise comfort or when range of motion improves. Thermoplastic splints are used for a variety of reasons including:
to immobilise joints
to protect and support injuries
to reduce pain and allow functional activities
for undisplaced fractures
to avoid and/or correct deformity
as protective splints to wear during exercise or sport
and dynamic splints can be used to increase range of motion.
Thermoplastic splints differ from traditional plaster casting in that they are lighter, breathable, easily moulded to maximise comfort and they can be removed for showering and hand hygiene.
The thermoplastic elbow night splint is being used to increase range of movement alongside an effective physiotherapy treatment program. As an adjunct to Physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, soft tissue massage and exercises, the splint has allowed for a significant improvement in elbow extension in an attempt to avoid surgical intervention after a nasty radial head fracture.