Splints

You’re probably familiar with splints as simple medical devices that are used to support injuries like a broken arm or leg.

But they can do a lot more than that. They can provide immediate pain relief by taking the strain off your sensitive areas. They can also improve your range of motion by gradually stretching stiff joints or soft tissues. They can even be used to correct joint dysfunctions and restore your abilities to what they used to be.

Symptoms

Most often, splints are used for healing the upper extremities such as the hand or wrist. But they can also be used in other areas to solve a wide range of joint and bone issues. That includes:

A patient with an arm injury being supported by a brace.

Joint injuries

A pair of crutches.

Broken bones

Icon depicting knee pain from IT band syndrome.

Degenerative diseases like arthritis

A pair of athletic shoes.

Soft tissue injuries

Some specific conditions they can help with are:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Trigger finger
  • Skier’s thumb
  • Mallet finger
  • Chronic pain
  • Arthritis
  • Ligament sprains
  • Post-surgical tendon repair
  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Hand fractures
  • Wrist fractures
  • Thumb fractures
  • Leg fractures
  • Boutonnière deformity (or swan neck deformity)

How do splints work?

Typically, splints work by restricting movement to help injuries heal properly and prevent further damage. But they come in many varieties to suit different purposes. Here are the most common types:

  • Static splints provide support while allowing you to perform activities.
  • Immobilization splints prevent movement and keep joints in a resting posture.
  • Mobilization splints stretch your stiff joints and tissues to improve your range of motion. They are often used by physiotherapists or occupational therapists in combination with an exercise and stretching program.
A patient putting on a lower back brace.
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Your Custom Solution

Our physiotherapists can identify when splinting will help and what type will be most effective for you. We can also provide splints that are custom-designed to meet your needs. These custom models can be moulded to your body so they provide a perfect fit. This is important because if you buy yourself an over-the-counter version and it doesn’t fit properly, it can end up causing more issues.

And even if it fits properly, wearing a splint without guidance or a therapy program can lead to weakness and stiffness. But getting help from a professional like a physiotherapist will provide you with medical advice and education, an exercise plan, monitoring of your progress, and adjustments to your splint.

Cost and Coverage

Our services are covered by most extended health care plans. That can include the coverage you may have through work or your auto insurance. If you’re not sure if you’re covered, give us a call and we can help. We can provide our splinting services at competitive rates.

An icon for physiotherapy insurance coverage.

If you’re ready to see for yourself how splinting can help, schedule a consultation today or just drop in. We have seven clinic locations in and around the GTA, serving communities including Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Brampton, Kitchener, and Scarborough.