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Orthoses for Mobilization: Static Progressive Orthoses

Presented by Deborah A. Schwartz

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Therapists require core knowledge in upper extremity anatomy and pathologies and an understanding of the biomechanical principles of orthotic fabrication in order to select static progressive orthoses as an intervention for clients requiring increased passive mobilization of joints, or lengthening of soft tissue contractures of the upper extremity. Therapists also need hands-on practice to make well fitting, well designed and clinically appropriate static progressive orthoses. They require knowledge of the pattern making process, the steps of fabrication using thermoplastic materials and appropriate static progressive outrigger systems to aid in their orthotic design.

Meet your instructor

Deborah A. Schwartz

Deborah A. Schwartz is a hand therapist with more than 34 years of experience as a practicing clinician. She has worked at Orfit Industries America for the past ten and a half years promoting product awareness and offering a variety of educational programming on orthotic fabrication. Debby is an active member of the American…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Orthoses for Mobilization: Static Progressive Orthoses

1. Orthoses for Mobilization: Static Progressive Orthoses

Static progressive orthoses for mobilization are a unique orthotic device that can be used to elongate shortened soft tissue and mobilize stiff joints. The tension in the orthosis is adjusted by the patient as instructed by the clinician. This chapter will review the goals of static progressive orthoses for mobilization and look at several different outrigger systems so that participants can understand how to identify which outrigger might be the most appropriate for the selected orthosis. The pattern making process will also be outlined in detail. Key anatomical landmarks will be identified for pattern making.

Static Progressive MCP Joint Flexion Orthosis

2. Static Progressive MCP Joint Flexion Orthosis

This chapter will introduce the viewer to a static progressive orthosis used in the rehabilitation phase to promote increased passive range of motion in stiff MCP joints. The stiffness and lack of motion of the MCP joints is common following trauma to the wrist and hand, surgery of the wrist, distal radius fractures and/ or metacarpal or phalangeal fractures. In this chapter, we will discuss the fabrication techniques for a static progressive orthosis to increase flexion at stiff MCP joints. Pattern making, fabrication steps, important guidelines for adding the outriggers and checking the correct fit, wearing schedules and precautions for the use of static progressive orthoses will be covered.

Static Progressive Orthosis for PIP and DIP Joint Flexion Orthosis

3. Static Progressive Orthosis for PIP and DIP Joint Flexion Orthosis

Static progressive orthoses for mobilization are used to help elongate shortened soft tissue and move stiff joints. This chapter will introduce the viewer to a static progressive finger flexion orthosis useful for helping a client regain passive PIP and DIP finger joint motion. The chapter will cover the pattern making process, fabrication steps, important guidelines for adding the outriggers and checking the correct fit, and precautions for static progressive orthoses.