Health and Wellness Tips

Comprehensive Guide to Bracing, Bandages, and Support Products: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Needs

jared athavle.Jul 30, 2024
There is a huge range of bracing, bandages, and other support products available - so how do I know which one is right for me? There are key differences between bracing products and bandages, both in function and the injuries they are tailored to care for. Difference between Bracing and Bandaging Products Bandages cover an open wound or injury while it heals, maintaining cleanliness, providing protection and compression to the wound. They may also be useful in covering wound dressings, preventing them from rubbing off. Bracing and splint products are primarily used to protect and support an injured limb, or another body part. They perform a very similar job to bandages, in the protection and covering of an injury, but braces provide additional support and often prevent movement of the injured limb due to their stiff nature. Fractured bones, for example, are held in place when a splint is used to immobilise the joints near the fracture which allows them to heal correctly. Benefits of Bracing Total Patient Care provides a large selection of wrist braces, including the popular SecurBasic, SecurPremium, Universal Neoprene, and Exoform wrist braces. Our SecurBasic and SecurPremium wrist braces feature high quality velcro fastenings which allow for the best fit to the patient’s wrist, as well as for the amount of compression on the injury to be adjusted. They both have sturdy aluminium stays which work to keep the wrist immobilised, which promotes faster healing and prevents further injury. The SecurPremium brace has additional durability, comfort, and breathability due to its mesh material. The Universal Neoprene wrist brace has the advantage of a fit that suits almost any patient, and is ideal for the treatment or rehabilitation of wrist sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis. Our Ossur brand Exoform wrist braces are ideal for patients suffering tendonitis, post cast healing, soft tissue injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomically contoured padding on the inside of the brace provides the patient with the best possible fit and most comfort. The brace has a durable outer layer and a moldable palmar stay, both of which contribute to the brace’s ability for immobilisation and support. How do I choose the right size? Follow these short guides to choosing the right size wrist brace, or find the products on our website for more information. For SecurBasic and SecurPremium, measure your wrist circumference just below the base of your palm, and pick the brace size accordingly. X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large 130-145mm 145-160mm 160-175mm 175-190mm 190-205mm Exoform Wrist braces are only available in small to large sizes. Measure your wrist circumference the same way to determine the appropriate size. Small Medium Large 160-185mm 185-205mm 205-235mm Benefits of Bandaging As mentioned above, bandages can be used to secure wound dressings, as well as protect the open surface from contamination, and provide compression to the injured limb. We offer a range of compression bandages, each of which are perfect for reducing the swelling of a sprain or strain. After sustaining an injury, using compression bandages such as our cohesive wrap bandage, rather than strapping tape, is ideal as it helps to reduce the immediate swelling and pain that follows. Strapping tape does not always provide the same benefits as bandages and is better suited to preventing further injury when resuming regular activity. Total Patient Care offers a variety of compression bandages, such as Tubon, FlexiGrip, SecurFast, and the cohesive wrap bandages mentioned previously. Tubon is a tubular gauze bandage that has several indications. It’s well suited to physiotherapy, rehabilitation and casting, being used as the first layer prior to the application of cast padding and material, and as the lining for splints and braces. It is used similarly for oedema control; it’s able to be applied prior to pressure bandaging. Tubon bandages also perform well in wound care when they are applied over dressings to secure and prevent mess. Tubon bandages are made of 100% cotton, and as such are absorbent while allowing good air circulation to the skin. These are one of the most popular bandages we offer and are very comfortable. They are also available in 8 sizes, the smallest of which being suited for paediatric uses and fingers/toes, and the largest for adult limbs. Flexigrip bandages, unlike Tubon, are well suited to being applied following cast removal. This bandage is designed for orthopaedic and vascular treatment, providing a low-medium compression and reducing swelling. It is also designed with patient comfort in mind, being of a cool knit fibre, and is gentle on soft tissue, and joint or rib injuries. SecurFast bandages are very similar to Tubon bandages though are only available in four sizes and won’t cater to the smallest injuries. They are made of a lightweight, easy-cut, conforming material that has less risk of fraying than traditional tubular bandages. What other support products are out there? Bracing and bandaging are just a small selection of the support products we offer. We supply a variety of aids to daily living, each tailored to users who need support in common tasks of everyday life. Visit our website or contact our Sales Team at sales@totalpatientcare.com.au to find out more about our splints and compression garments, or our ADLs. Please note that this is not an official diagnosis and you should always seek advice from your GP or medical professional to get the correct care for your injury.

Choosing the Right Finger Splint: A Guide to Types, Uses, and Benefits What is a finger splint and why should I use one?

jared athavle.Jul 30, 2024
A finger splint is a small medical device, not unlike a brace, that immobilises and supports an injured finger. There are many types of finger splints available, each one suiting a different injury or purpose. You should always seek advice from a medical professional to get the correct care for your injury, to find out which brace you need and for how long. The finger splint is one treatment that helps the finger heal and recover movement and strength. What kind of finger splints does Total Patient Care offer? Total Patient Care offers five different kinds of finger splints, each made a different way and suiting different patient needs: 1. Rolyan Sof-Stretch Extension Splint - These splints are ideal for relieving PIP joint tightness, contractures and boutonniere deformity. 2. Trigger Finger Resting Splint - This universal splint is ideal for patients suffering from finger stiffness, osteoarthritis, finger pain, clicking and popping, and catching or locking of the fingers.  3. Secur Finger Extension Capener Splint - These capener splints are best suited for contractures up to 45° that feel elastic when stretched, as they provide dynamic extension while allowing flexion. 4. LMB Spring Finger Extension Splint - Like the Rolyan splint, this finger extension splint is ideal for patients struggling with PIP joint tightness. 5. Oval 8 Finger Splint - These splints are by far the most comfortable due to their lightness and smooth plastic material. They promote better hand function and can be worn full time or as needed. Benefits of Using a Finger Splint There are many benefits to wearing a finger splint apart from the obvious healing and support they offer to an injured digit. Due to their small size, they often take up less space on your hand than a cast would, allowing for the patient to resume their daily life as best they can with a sustained injury. Some splints also allow for removal during showering or are waterproof. Finger splints are also much easier to apply or remove than finger casts, and are often adjustable to the patient’s comfort and needs. While splints may not provide the same level of support or protection as a cast would, they are ultimately easier to use and obtain due to not being tailored to each individual. Risks of Using a Finger Splint There are some risks associated with using finger splints, primarily pressure sores if the finger splint is worn for longer than necessary and is exerting too much pressure on the skin. Nerve impingement (or a pinched nerve) can be a result of the same activity. When worn continuously, the finger splint may also result in an infection or even maceration. By discussing with a medical professional when and how long to wear your finger splint, these low risks can almost always be avoided. How do I choose the right size splint? Our Trigger Finger Resting Splint is a universal size, meaning it is suitable for almost all patients. The Oval 8 finger splint size is determined by the joint circumference of your injured finger. Measure around the joint of your affected finger using a flexible measuring tape and compare with the table below. However, a precise fit is required to assure optimal treatment results so we recommend being sized by a healthcare provider or medical equipment specialist. For all other finger splints, the size of the injured finger is taken into account. To determine what size splint you need, measure from the distal palmar crease to the distal finger crease while the finger is extended. The full lists of sizes are available on each product page on our website.   When should I call my doctor? You should always seek advice from your GP or medical professional prior to purchasing a splint to be certain you are receiving the correct care for your injury. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any symptoms such as increased or severe pain, stinging, tightness or numbness, finger swelling that is getting worse, discolouration or bruising, or a bad smell coming from the splint.

How to Select the Best Splinting Material for Different Patient Needs

jared athavle.Jul 01, 2024
With the amount of available thermoplastics, it can be difficult to determine which would best suit your purposes. We’ve put together this guide for anyone who is new to splinting sheets or wants a quick review of the options available. Thickness We currently offer three different thickness options: 1.6mm, 2.4mm, and 3.2mm.   1.6mm - This is the thinnest available, and is reasonably easy to cut when cold. A lightweight thermoplastic splint material, ideal for smaller splints, particularly paediatric or finger based splints.   2.4mm - Difficult to cut when cold, though not impossible. This lightweight splinting material offers support without the bulkiness of a 3.2mm sheet. Ideal for a wide range of applications, primarily static and dynamic splints for the upper limb.   3.2mm - The thickest material available. Use a water bath to heat before cutting. This splinting material is the ideal thickness for maximum support and stability of the injury. We recommend using this for positioning, and for bracing the upper or lower limbs. Also suitable for aiding contractures and abnormal tone. Solid vs Perforated Each of our thermoplastic sheets is available in either solid or perforated, however the percentage of perforation will vary depending on the material. The different perforations available include: 1%, 11%, 12%, 15%, and 19%. Both solid and perforated materials have certain advantages that must be considered when choosing your thermoplastic splinting material. Solid provides maximum support, and requires less consideration when forming the splint. Perforated material will have rougher edges when cut so care must be taken to smooth down all edges. The material must also be stretched evenly to maintain equal hole sizes across the splint.  While perforated may not be as strong as solid, the material has certain advantages such as the ventilation provided. We recommend using perforated material for a more comfortable splint in summer months as this will allow ventilation and air to reach the skin. Perforated materials also soften up faster when heated without compromising rigidity. Both materials can be used for the same braces.   Properties Take into account the properties of the different thermoplastic splinting sheets available when choosing one to best suit your needs. See the table below for the different properties of our available thermoplastics.   Resistance to Stretch - When heated, a thermoplastic with a minimum resistance to stretch requires very little handling. A higher resistance to stretch requires firm handling to conform to the body, meaning it is ideal for larger splints.   Drape - Drape refers to how easily the splinting material conforms to a surface when it is heated. A high drape allows for a more precise fit and minimal handling. A low drape offers more stability and easier handling when a larger area requires splinting.   Rigidity - Rigidity refers to the splinting material’s resistance to bend. This will naturally be higher for thicker thermoplastics but there is also some difference between the materials themselves. Memory - A thermoplastic sheet with greater memory will be able to more accurately return to its original shape after moulding. Most thermoplastic is able to be reused multiple times but the better the memory, the more frequently they can be remoulded.   Resistance to Stretch Rigidity Drape Memory SecurForm Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate SecurEze Maximum Maximum Moderate Moderate SecurFit Pro Moderate Moderate Maximum Very Good SecurPlast Moderate Moderate Moderate Very Good SecurFlex II Moderate Moderate Moderate Very Good   Should I use whole sheets or precuts? We offer a range of splint precuts for all our different materials.    There are many benefits to using thermoplastic pre-cut splints rather than whole sheets. Therapists can save time through eliminating the pattern making process and getting right to tailoring the splint to their patient. Space is saved by not having to store multiple whole sheets of thermoplastic to be used. Using precuts is also more accurate, as they are machine cut following a set pattern, and saves material as the machine can maximise the area of thermoplastic used. Occasionally, it may also be cleaner to use a precut if the pattern making process would involve a lot of offcuts or generate a lot of rubbish. Practitioners may also save money by buying precuts rather than a whole sheet depending on how many splints they need.   See below a list of the precuts we have available, or download our digital Product Guide for more information. a) Thumb hole splint b) Thumb post gauntlet c) Resting pan mitt d) Resting pan burns splint e) Resting pan functional splint Want more information? Get in contact with us about our Brace Yourself Workshops! Join the team at TPC in a hands-on experience run by expert Occupational Health professionals. Our splinting workshops are run once a year and cover the benefits of different thermoplastic materials, and the different types of splints and their uses, with practical application of this knowledge. Learn or refresh your static splinting skills in a safe, easy-paced environment. Register your interest now at sales@totalpatientcare.com.au.

Everything You Need to Know About Theraputty

jared athavle.Jul 01, 2024
What is Therapy Putty? Therapy putty, also known as theraputty or sensory putty, is a rehabilitation tool used in treating finger, hand, and wrist injuries, particularly in grip strengthening and movement post recovery. Therapy putty can also benefit patients with increased blood flow, improved fine motor skills, as well as stress relief.   Our theraputty comes in a variety of colours, each representing a different resistance level, for the benefit of therapists and patients undertaking an individually graded hand strengthening program. Our two ranges of therapy putty are Secur Spectra and SecurLite, and come in the below colours.   Company Colour Resistance Yellow Soft Red Medium-Soft Green Medium Blue Firm Purple X-Firm Dark Green XX-Firm Lite Colour Resistance Yellow X-Soft Lime Soft Green Medium Blue Firm   Our Secur brand therapy putty is made of a latex-free, non toxic silicone, meaning it is safe for almost all clients to use. It is unscented and we recommend not adding scents to avoid colour bleeding.   Why can’t I just use playdough? Though therapy putty and playdough are visually very similar, playdough does not have the same qualities and as such will not provide the same results. Playdough is a softer and more pliable material, not specifically formulated for hand strengthening exercises, and will typically not provide the necessary resistance needed by therapy patients. However, playdough can be great for stress relief or fine motor skills development for little kids! Theraputty Benefits & Who should use therapy putty? Because therapy putty has so many uses, it can be of benefit to patients with a variety of needs. Anyone who is currently experiencing any of the below may benefit from the use of therapy putty:   Weak grip strength - There are several therapy putty hand exercises with a focus on increasing grip strength through building up the resistance of the putty used, or increasing the difficulty of the exercises as the hand gets comfortable.   Arthritis in the hand/wrist - While the use of theraputty won’t necessarily reverse the effects of arthritis, it is possible to prevent symptoms from worsening and protect your range of motion and function with therapeutic hand exercises.    Carpal tunnel syndrome - When the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist, a feeling of pain or numbness in the hand may occur. The right theraputty exercises can help to relieve the pressure placed on the median nerve to in turn reduce the painful effects of carpal tunnel syndrome.    Weakness or limited range of motion in the hand, wrist, or fingers - Theraputty exercises are particularly effective in improving range of motion, as the putty provides a resistance for the hand muscles to work against, forcing motion. Moving up resistance levels as your hands become more comfortable will increase the natural range of motion in your hands and fingers.   A recent hand, wrist, or finger injury - Following a hand injury, it is important to start regaining your previous strength and range of motion to ensure a full recovery and return to your quality of life.   Circulatory issues - Numbness, tingling, or cold hands are all possible results of poor hand circulation. Performing some common theraputty exercises can get the blood flowing through your hands to reduce these effects.   Symptoms of ADHD or similar needs for fidgeting - Using theraputty in everyday situations can promote focus, self regulation, and meet sensory needs.   Stress or anxiety - Rhythmic, repetitive actions of stretching or kneading the therapy putty allows for relaxation, distraction, or releasing built-up stress.   How should I get started? If you think you could benefit from using therapy putty but are unsure where to start, we recommend seeking advice from your GP or hand therapist who can help guide you through a hand grip strengthening program. We have also put together a short guide to some basic theraputty exercises that anyone can do. Please note that this is not a therapeutic intervention program and we recommend always seeking advice from a medical professional for treatment. How do I care for my therapy putty? For keeping the putty in its optimal state, store the therapy putty in its plastic container while not in use. Alternative airtight containers may be used if the original is broken or lost. Store at room temperature; extreme temperatures may make product tacky. Wash hands prior to use. We recommend using on a clean, hard surface such as a table top. Avoid contact with carpet, hair and clothing!  

8 Therapy Putty Hand Exercises Everyone Should Know

jared athavle.Jun 10, 2024
Therapy Putty is a material ideal for strengthening fine motor skills and hand strength, particularly after sustaining a hand or finger injury. Almost all brands are available in various resistances and their corresponding colours, making it perfect for providing individually graded strengthening programs to those who want to improve their hand movement and strength. Begin with x-soft or soft putties for weaker hands and progress with firmer putties as your strength develops.   What is therapy putty made of? Our Secure brand therapy hand strengthening putty is a latex-free, non toxic silicone, making it safe for almost all clients to use.   Why perform putty exercises?  There are many benefits to performing therapy putty exercises that aren’t limited to hand. Other benefits include: improved circulation, and dexterity or developing fine motor skills, particularly in children. Performing these putty exercises can reduce swelling or stiffness resulting from arthritis or post-surgery conditions, as the exercises promote blood flow in the hands (see activity A in particular). Hand dexterity is also improved due to actions such as pinching or pressing (seen in activities B and H) which simulate daily functional activities that require control and coordination. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the eight theraputty hand exercises we think everyone should know. a) Full Hand Squeezes Roll the  into a large ball. Hold in the palm of your hand. Squeeze, exerting as much pressure as possible, holding for 1-2 seconds, before rolling it around in the hand.   b) Finger Pinching Roll the therapy putty into a long tube. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch along the tube, starting at one end and progressing to the other. Reroll out the putty and repeat with other fingers.   c) Finger Scissors Start with a smaller amount of therapy putty than you use for full hand squeezes. Roll the putty into a ball, and hold between the second knuckles of your index and middle fingers. Squeeze fingers together until they meet. This can be done between other fingers.   d) Flat Pinch Start with the original amount of putty. Roll the therapy putty into a ball. Hold between your thumb and other four fingers in a “chatterbox” gesture. Pinch thumb and other fingers together, exerting as much pressure as possible.   e) Finger Spread Also called a ‘Doughnut Stretch.’ Roll the therapy putty into a tube shape, then join the ends together to make a loop. Place your index finger and middle finger in the hole and stretch outwards, widening the loop of putty. This can also be done with your whole hand, placing all fingers in the hole and opening your hand.   f) Finger Extension Use a smaller amount of therapy putty and form a tube shape, then join the ends together to make a loop. Wrap over your index finger and gather the rest of the loop in the palm of your other hand. Lift your index finger upwards, stretching the loop of putty wide. Repeat with other fingers.   g) Thumb Extension Use the same amount of therapy putty for a Finger Extension exercise. Form a tube shape, then join the ends together to make a loop. Wrap over your thumb, and gather the rest of the loop in the palm of the same hand. Extend your thumb upwards, stretching the loop of putty.   h) Finger Press Start with a smaller amount of therapy putty than you use for full hand squeezes. Roll the putty into a ball, and hold in the palm of your hand. Press your thumb down into the ball of putty, towards your pinky. Repeat with other fingers, rerolling into a ball as necessary.   Trying to get kids interested? Kids in particular can struggle with their fine motor skills and hand dexterity as they are developing. Try out these activities with your kids or younger patients to keep them entertained while practicing. Can you spell your name by making the letters out of putty? Try and make your favourite animal out of putty! Let’s do a treasure hunt: ask someone to hide beads or small toys in a ball of putty for you to find. Become head chef at your own restaurant: how many different kinds of food can you make out of therapy putty? Let’s make some bead art! Make a flat shape out of your putty and arrange beads in it to create a picture. Caring for your SecurPutty: For best results, keep therapy putty in its plastic container while not in use. Store at room temperature; extreme temperatures may make product tacky. Wash hands prior to use. We recommend using on a clean, hard surface such as a table top. Avoid carpet and clothing! Avoid adding any colour or oil scents to the putty to avoid colour bleeding. Please note that this post is not a therapeutic intervention program - we recommend seeking advice from your hand therapist who may incorporate these into your personally tailored program.

Beginners Guide to Hand Strengthening Program with Slow Recovery Foam

Marketing TPC.May 28, 2024
What is Slow Recovery Foam and why should I use it? Secur Slow Recovery foam blocks are made of 100% memory foam which returns to its original shape when squeezed and released. They are soft to the touch and provide a range of resistances that allow for individually tailored grip strengthening programs; a perfect sensory tool for those who are new to these types of programs. This sensory equipment is ideal if you have never done a hand grip strengthening program before, and this blog post goes into deeper detail of how to start one. Our Slow Recovery Foam is also a good hand exerciser tool for those who have experienced recent wrist or hand injuries, stiffness, or arthritis, as it is a simple way to start recovering your hand strength or movement. Which colour foam should I use? Our Secur Slow Recovery Foam is available in 4 different colours and their corresponding resistances. X-Soft Yellow foam is perfect for weaker hands or people just starting out with the hand strengthening program, and then progress with Soft Red, then Medium Blue and finishing with Firm Green which offers the most resistance. This is ideal for people at the end of the program or those who already have a reasonably strong grip but would like to increase strength further. We offer an assorted pack that includes all four colours if you aren't sure which resistance works best for you, or you plan to increase the resistance over time. What are the best hand strengthening exercises for beginners? Below, we’ve compiled a list of basic exercises to do with slow recovery foam blocks if you’re just starting out with a hand grip strengthening program. Please note that this post is not a therapeutic intervention program. We recommend that activities and exercises be done under the guidance and advice of your therapist, as part of a tailored program. 1. Grip Hold your chosen slo foam block in the palm of your hand. Squeeze, exerting as much pressure as possible, holding for 1-2 seconds before gently releasing. 2. In-Hand Grip Rotation Start by lightly gripping the foam block in one palm, then gently spin or rotate the block while still holding it in your hand. Your wrist should not be moving much; your fingers should be doing most of the work. 3. Three Finger Pinch Hold the foam block with your index and middle finger on one side, and your thumb positioned on the other side. Pinch thumb and other fingers together, exerting as much pressure as possible until they almost meet, squeezing the foam between them. Gently release. 4. Tip to Tip Pinch Hold the foam block with just the tip of your index finger and the tip of your thumb. Pinch finger tips together, squeezing the foam between them. Gently release. 5. Thumb Flexion Gently grip your chosen foam block in the palm of your hand. Your four fingers should be wrapped around the length of the block, with your thumb resting on the top. Press your thumb down into the foam block, towards your pinky. Gently release. 6. Tip Grip Begin in the same position that you would use for a Thumb Flexion exercise (see activity E), but have just the tips of your fingers resting against the foam block. Squeeze your middle three fingertips into the foam. Gently release. Not all hand grip strengthening exercises have to be done with the full foam block! The slow recovery foam is a material that is easily cut with scissors or other implements. Fine motor skills and in-hand manipulation can be improved with smaller pieces of foam. 7. Fine Motor Skills Cut your chosen foam block into several small pieces, around 1cm x 1cm. Once the foam has been cut, put all pieces together on a desk and take turns picking up each piece. Pinch the piece with your index finger and thumb, and then tuck it into your palm to then pick up the next piece. Once you can’t pick up any more pieces, try a few squeezes and gentle releases of the foam. This exercise is beneficial for strengthening your pinch and improving fine motor skills. 8. Web Space Stretches You will need a new foam block for this exercise. Cut the block into several long strips; you will use four strips during the activity. Place a single strip between each of your fingers. Bend your fingers to close against your palm, then release and straighten. Repeat. This exercise is designed to loosen the muscles between your fingers allowing you to grip things easier. Want to change it up slightly but not ready to move on to the next resistance strength yet? These foam blocks are very absorbent; soak them in water and try out the full hand squeezing exercises (see exercises A and B). A small amount of resistance is added to again improve grip strength, and a multi-sensory aspect is now involved in the exercise. Caring for your Slow Recovery Foam: Due to the material’s nature, the foam blocks can be kept almost anywhere, though try to avoid conditions which may make the sensory tools dirty. These blocks can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge, and then air dried. Please note that this post is not a therapeutic intervention program - we recommend seeking advice from your hand therapist for a personally tailored hand strengthening program.