Custom-made thermoplastic splints and casts
Conveniently located throughout Melbourne and Gippsland
No referral needed
If you are currently looking for a support for your injury in the thumb, finger, hand, wrist and forearm, you’ve come to the right place. Action Rehab can custom fit a waterproof, thermoplastic splint and bracing for better support.
WHY THERMOPLASTIC SPLINTS AND CASTS?
Thermoplastic 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 sportsman return to sport sooner than when they have heavy plaster of paris casts.
Better yet, 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.
HOW THERMOPLASTIC WORKS
Thermoplastic comes as a flat piece of polymer resin plastic which becomes soft and pliable at certain temperatures and solidifies as it cools. It is placed in warm water and once soft, it is shaped and moulded to the area that needs it.
It can be removed and reshaped should the shape of the limb change and can be adjusted to be looser or tighter if oedema levels change causing swelling or size reduction of the area being treated.
Call us on 1300 762 227 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.
Our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists have extensive knowledge and experience in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing your hand and upper extremity – your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand – injuries or conditions, so you know you’re in good hands.
The hand therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in the assessment and treatment of various hand injuries. With a reputation endorsed by sporting organisations like the Melbourne Football Club, Action Rehab is the smart choice for treating your hand injuries and providing thermoplastic splints and casts for thumb, finger, hand, wrist, and forearm injuries.
- No referral needed
- Nonsurgical treatment prioritised where possible
- Working with some of Melbourne’s top sporting clubs
Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERMOPLASTIC AND PLASTER OF PARIS (POP) CASTS
Plaster (POP) Casts
- Common method used to immobalise fractures and breaks
- Cheap to make, relatively easy to apply
- Effective
- Can be made in one appointment. Takes around 10 minutes
- Not removable, making it a good option for children or people at risk of removing a splint
- Often bulky and heavy
- A new plaster needs to be reapplied if modifications need to be made or the shape of the limb changes
- Not water resistant. Needs to be kept dry at all times.
- Cannot be removed - must be cut off
- Increased risk of development of pressure areas
- Risk of POP becoming too loose or too tight due to changes in levels of oedema (fluid retention)
- Custom made from plaster of paris
- Negatively impacts a patient's ability to perform their daily living activities such as showering
- Not easy to clean
- Less comfortable and patient can experience itching
This breathable and waterproof cast and splint by Action Rehab can be used even while swimming.
Thermoplastic Splints
- Less commonly used
- A little more expensive but easy to apply
- Effective
- Can be made in one appointment. Can take up to 20 minutes
- Removable for hygeine, swimming, scar management.
- Light weight
- Remouldable if the shape of the limb changes
- Water resistant/waterproof. Splints can be worn in the shower or while swimming.
- Can be removed as required
- Low risk of development of pressure areas
- Easily adjusted if it becomes too loose or too tight due to changes in levels of oedema
- Custom made from light-weight polymer resin material
- Easier to perform daily living activities
- Easy to clean
- More comfortable
- Greater level of function gained in a shorter time (Quadlbauer et al., 2016)
SPLINTS AND CASTS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Finger Based Extension Splint
Treatment Conditions
Anti-swan Neck Splint
Treatment Conditions
Barrel Splint
Treatment Conditions
Thermo-buddie Splint
Treatment Conditions
Ulna Gutter (hand based)
Treatment Conditions
Radial Fracture Splint
Treatment Conditions
Wrist Immobilisation Orthosis
Treatment Conditions
Yoke Splint
Treatment Conditions
Sports Playing Guard
Treatment Conditions
PLASTER OF PARIS (POP) CASTS
Plaster of Paris (POP) casts are always top of mind when you incur a break or a fracture, but it is not the only option available. Some surgeries may also need a cast, brace, or splint to help them heal properly. While plaster of paris casts have their place, new thermoplastic technology offers greater benefits and flexibility for patients.
At Action Rehab, we have developed our own splints and bracing, which means we can custom fit the splint to better support your injury. Using our thermoplastic splint rather than plaster cast orthosis will make daily tasks easier while recovering. Why? Because they are lightweight and water resistant.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW
Having the right support for your injury or condition plays a huge role in how fast and well you heal. Our therapists can ensure that you receive support you need for your injury or condition.