● Use the strongest joints available. For example, try to substitute the elbow for carrying a purse when hands show signs of arthritic changes. ● Avoid staying in one position for too long. ● Avoid starting an activity that cannot be stopped. Regular rest breaks take stress off delicate or painful joints. Adapted from Cooper (2020) Cleaning your Orthosis: The plastic portion of your orthosis can be cleaned using soap and warm water. DO NOT wash orthosis in hot water, as it will melt. Stains can be removed from the orthosis with a scouring cleanser containing chlorine. Rinse and dry the orthosis, and be sure to dry the padding if needed. The straps and orthotic liners can be washed gently and line dried. These components need to be replaced for long-term orthosis usage. Orthosis with Attachments If your orthosis was fabricated with rubber bands or hardware to improve motion, be sure to follow the recommendations below: ● A light, steady pull is better than a hard or forceful pull. ● To achieve optimum comfort and benefit from your orthosis, the tension can be adjusted according to your therapist’s instructions. Please sign your name below to confirm your understanding of these instructions. Please retain this portion for your records. _____________________________________________________ I have been instructed in the care and use of my orthosis as described above and have been provided a copy of this information. Client _______________________________ Date __________
● Maintain muscle strength and range of motion through a program suggested by a healthcare provider. ● Avoid positions that put undue stress on arthritic joints and that could create deformities. ● Apply cold before, during, or after activity, depending on which method is most effective in reducing pain and inflammation. ● Use orthosis as recommended.
APPENDIX B SAMPLE ORTHOSIS CARE AND USE SHEET
Name ______________________________________________ Therapist ____________________________ Date __________ Type and purpose of orthosis: _________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Wearing schedule: ___________________________________ Special considerations for application: _________________ Precautions: ● Keep your orthosis away from open flames, as it will burn. ● Avoid exposing the orthosis to temperatures above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. ● Do not leave the orthosis in a car or near a heat vent. ● Do not adjust the orthosis. ● Contact your therapist (XXX-XXX-XXXX) for adjustments or if any of the following occur: ○ Reddened areas on your skin lasting longer than 20 minutes. ○ Additional swelling, pain, or stiffness. ○ Numbness. Resources ● American College of Rheumatology http://www.rheumatology.org ● American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Goniometry/ Range of Motion Norm Values http://www.eatonhand.com/cht/cht044.htm ● Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org ● E-hand.com: The electronic textbook of hand surgery http://www.eatonhand.com/ ● National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases http://www.niams.nih.gov ● National Institute on Aging http://www.nia.nih.gov Telephone: 1-800-222-2225 ● The American Occupational Therapy Association http://www.aota.org Telephone: 1-800-377-8555 ● The American Physical Therapy Association http://www.apta.org Telephone: 1-800-999-APTA ● The American Society of Hand Therapists http://www.asht.org
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/osteo-hand-wrist
EliteLearning.com/Physical-Therapy
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