Custom Hand Therapy
Splinting
Specialist splinting and orthotic prescription for hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions in Belfast. Custom thermoplastic splints made in clinic at your appointment.
The right splint
for your condition
Splinting is one of the most important tools in Hand Therapy. The right splint protects healing structures, reduces pain, corrects position and supports recovery after injury or surgery. The wrong splint, or one worn incorrectly can delay recovery.
Ms Michelle Razo assesses each client to determine what what kind of splint is needed. This maybe a bespoke thermoplastic orthosis fabricated in clinic or a specialist off-the-shelf product. You can be confident that your splint is prescribed and fitted by a Certified Hand Therapist.
Types of
splint
The kind of splint prescribed depends on your diagnosis, the structures involved and stage of recovery. Ms Razo uses the full range of splinting techniques across all hand and upper limb conditions.
Holds a fixed position to protect a healing structure, reduce pain or correct a deformity. The most commonly prescribed splint following injury or surgery.
Gradually increases range of movement through low-load and prolonged stretch. Used to regain joint mobility after injury, surgery or prolonged immobilisation.
Uses controlled force via springs or elastic components to facilitate movement. Applied where continuous, gentle mobilisation supports recovery.
Worn overnight to hold joints in a comfortable supported position. Used to reduce morning stiffness and manage pain.
Supportive splints and braces for ongoing management of arthritis, chronic tendinopathy and low-grade injuries where rigid immobilisation is not required.
Splinting across
the upper limb
Splinting forms part of treatment for a wide range of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions. The body area and diagnosis determine the type, position and wearing schedule of the splint.
- Trigger finger & trigger thumb
- Mallet finger
- Dupuytren's contracture
- Boutonniere & swan neck deformity
- Finger fractures
- Skier's thumb
- Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- TFCC injury
- deQuervain's tenosynovitis
- Scaphoid fracture
- Wrist fractures
- Wrist instability
- Post-surgical support
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Elbow fractures
- Post-surgical protection
- Shoulder fractures
- Shoulder dislocation & instability
Made in clinic
at your appointment
Custom thermoplastic splints are fabricated from scratch at your appointment. No waiting for an external laboratory. No separate fitting visit. You leave with your splint fitted, adjusted and ready to wear.
Your diagnosis, anatomy and stage of recovery determine which type of splint is needed and the position it should hold. No splint is prescribed without a thorough clinical assessment first.
Low-temperature thermoplastic is heated, moulded directly to your hand or upper limb and trimmed to fit. The material sets to your exact anatomy, holding precisely the position your treatment requires.
Your splint is checked for pressure points, comfort and clinical position before you leave. It is reviewed and modified at subsequent appointments as your condition and range of movement progress.
Already have a splint? Read the guide to caring for your custom hand splint
Splinting
FAQs
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A custom, thermoplastic splint is fabricated from scratch to fit your exact anatomy and clinical needs. It holds precisely the position your condition requires and can be modified as you recover. High-quality off-the-shelf orthoses are also available where they are clinically appropriate. They will be properly fitted and prescribed at your appointment. The right choice depends on your diagnosis, Ms Razo will advise you on what is needed.
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Yes. Custom thermoplastic splints are made in clinic during your appointment. The material is heated, moulded directly to your hand or upper limb, trimmed and lined before you leave. No waiting or separate fitting visit is needed.
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Yes. Splints are reviewed and modified throughout treatment as your condition progresses. A static progressive splint can be adjusted to increase range of movement over time. Custom splints can be reheated and remoulded if your anatomy or clinical needs change.
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This depends entirely on your condition and stage of recovery. Some splints are worn full-time for several weeks following surgery or acute injury. Others are worn only at night or during specific activities. Ms Razo will give you a clear wearing schedule and review it at each appointment.
Need a specialist
splint assessment?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo. Your splint will be assessed, fabricated and fitted at your appointment in Belfast.