A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can: Make custom splints (orthotics) that are specific to your condition and to your needs. Orthotics are used to:
Ensure proper healing of injured tissues
To provide support to painful, inflamed, swollen or injured areas
To provide a low-level stretch to increase the motion of tight joints.
A Certified Hand Therapist can also assess, size and fit pre-made braces to make sure they fit properly.
The American Society for Hand Therapist defines a splint (now commonly termed an "orthosis") as a device externally applied to the body that is used to support, restrict, mobilize or immobilize structures. Although there are many therapeutic uses for splints/orthoses, they are most commonly referenced for use in:
deformity prevention
deformity correction
protection of healing structures
motion restriction
functional improvement
influence of tissue growth and remodeling
The safe and appropriate use and maintenance of assistive devices is considered part of the scientific knowledge basis of hand therapy. Both prosthetics and splinting are listed as a treatment technique and tool in the therapeutic intervention of hand and upper quarter patients.