Splinting and Bracing Physiotherapy: Helping You Move Forward

Splints are used to immobilize musculoskeletal disorders, assist in recovery, and prevent future injury. Splinting is used for a variety of reasons, the most prevalent of which are:

• Acute fractures, sprains, or strains are temporarily stabilized before further examination or ultimate surgical care.
• A suspected concealed fracture is immobilized (such as a scaphoid fracture)
• Serious soft tissue injuries that necessitate immobilization
• Fractures that can be managed conservatively in specific fracture patterns
• Small soft tissue injury may necessitate partial immobilization.
• Instability of joints, including dislocation, is treated.

• Splinting has several advantages to overcasting.
• Splints are quicker and easier to put on.
• They can be static, that is, it prevents mobility or dynamic means it allows mobility and active assist with controlled motion.
• Because a splint is non-circumferential, it allows for the normal swelling during the injury's early inflammatory phase.
• A splint is easier to remove than a cast, allowing for more frequent evaluation of the injured site

Bracing is a type of therapy that involves external bracing on different limbs to offer extra support for weak joints or ligaments. Braces are usually constructed of soft, durable fabric, although they can also have metal, plastic, or Velcro straps. They can be created to order or delivered to the patient. Your physiotherapist can assist you in selecting the appropriate brace and adjusting it to your specific needs.

Important types of Braces

Based on their purpose, braces are classified into three varieties: preventive, rehabilitative, and functional braces.

• Prophylactic Braces : Prophylactic braces are used to protect against injuries. If you are at high risk of re-injury, this brace can help you avoid harm.
• Rehabilitative Braces : This type of Braces is used after an accident or surgery to give support, immobilization, and compression to reduce swelling. They limit mobility to protect the damaged region as you begin your return to activities. This external support is just temporary, and it is only utilized to allow for optimal healing.
• Functional Braces : After an accident, functional braces are used to compensate for weaker or deteriorated structures, protecting you from future harm while you recuperate. This brace enables you to continue to sports or other activities that stress the damaged joint or ligament while also increasing your stability and body awareness as you move.

• Backaches
• Cuff Injuries
• Sprains and strains that are severe
• Injuries to the knee
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Osteoarthritis or Arthritis that affects the joints.
• Tennis elbow
• Dislocation of the shoulder
• Other shoulder injury or SLAP tears
• ACL sprains
• Osteoporosis is a kind of bone disease
• Incorrect posture
• Other sports-related injuries
• Rehabilitation after surgery
• Tendonitis is a kind of tendonitis
• Dislocations and subluxations of the patella
• Chondromalacia or runner's knee

Braces are frequently used after an injury, pre or post surgeries, or if your joints or ligaments have deteriorated due to regular usage, aging, or a chronic ailment.

After an appropriate evaluation of your injury or disorder, your physician, therapist, or other medical specialists may recommend a brace to aid in recovery. Braces give support while tendons, muscles, and/or bones recover. It allows you to continue some activities (slowly), gradually increasing your strength and balance while preventing re-injury.