Health and Wellness Tips

NDIS processes can feel complex for both providers and families. Understanding how equipment qualifies simplifies decision-making.   What "NDIS Approved" Means NDIS does not approve specific brands. It funds supports that are considered reasonable and necessary within a participant's plan. Rehabilitation equipment must: Relate directly to the participant's disability Improve function, independence,  or safety Represent value for money Be supported by appropriate clinical recommendation Documentation plays a critical role.   Common NDIS-Funded Rehabilitation Equipment Depending on the plan, funding may include: Splints and braces Therapy equipment Seating supports Mobility aids Compression garments (when clinically justified) Assistive technology Lower-cost consumables typically fall under Core Supports. Higher-cost equipment often falls under Capital Supports.   Strengthening Applications Successful submissions typically include: Occupational therapy or physiotherapy reports Functional assessments Clear explanation of how equipment improves independence Supplier quotation Risk assessment if equipment is not provided Specific, measurable justification increases approval likelihood.   Final Perspective NDIS funding is designed to support dignity, safety, and independence. When rehabilitation equipment is carefully selected and clinically justified, it can significantly enhance daily living outcomes.

Compression gloves and braces are often confused, yet they serve distinctly different clinical purposes. Understanding the difference prevents delayed recovery. Compression Gloves Designed to: Reduce swelling Improve circulation Provide mild support Ease arthritic stiffness They allow functional movement and flexibility. Commonly indicated for: Rheumatoid arthritis Mild osteoarthritis Post-injury oedema Morning stiffness Compression gloves provide support through controlled pressure - not restriction.   Braces (Splints or Supports) Designed to: Restrict movement Protect healing tissues Stabilise joints Reduce pain through structural control Commonly indicated for: Tendon injuries Ligament instability Post-surgical protection Severe arthritic flare-ups Braces provide support through structure and alignment - not compression.   The Key Difference Compression offers dynamic, flexible support. Braces offer structural stability and protection. Selecting the appropriate option depends on the clinical goal: swelling control and comfort versus protection and joint alignment.

Many hand therapy rooms contain impressive equipment that rarely sees use. Meanwhile, essential tools are used daily and often show significant wear. When reviewing or stocking hand therapy supplies, prioritise function and progression.   1. Splinting Materials A comprehensive range should include: Thermoplastics with varied rigidity Strapping systems Padding Hook and loop fastenings Reliable fabrication materials form the foundation of effective treatment.   2. Strengthening Tools Patients require graded resistance options, such as: Therapy putty in multiple strengths Hand exercisers Grip trainers Finger extension bands Recovery depends on progression. Without it, improvement plateaus.   3. Fine Motor and Dexterity Equipment Rehabilitation should reflect real-world tasks. Consider: Pegboards Button boards Therapy balls Functional task kits Recovery is not measured solely by grip strength - it is measured by independence in daily activities.   4. Scar and Oedema Management Frequently overlooked but clinically significant: Compression garments Silicone scar sheets Massage tools Oedema gloves Early and consistent management influences long-term outcomes.   5. Patient Education Resources Clear instruction often determines compliance. Printed home programs and digital guides reinforce therapy between appointments and improve results. Effective hand therapy relies on practical, repeatable tools that patients can confidently use beyond the clinic.

In hand therapy and rehabilitation, thermoplastics are used daily - yet not all materials perform the same. Many clinics order based purely on price, only to find the material cracks, lacks rigidity, or becomes difficult to mould properly. Choosing well from the start saves time, money, and frustration.   1. Start with the Patient, not the Product Before reviewing the catalogue, consider: Is rigid immobilisation required, or a dynamic splint? Does the patient have fragile or sensitive skin? What is the expected compliance level? A high-tone post-stroke patient requires very different support compared to someone recovering from a mild tendon repair. The material must match the clinical objective - not simply availability.   2. Assess Resistance and Memory Thermoplastics differ in: Rigidity Elastic memory Drape Bonding capability For firm immobilisation (fracture, post-operative protection), higher resistance and low stretch are appropriate. For functional or dynamic supports, materials with moderate elasticity and memory allow easier future adjustments. Adjustability is essential. Swelling fluctuates. Recovery evolves. Modifications are often necessary.   3. Perforation vs Solid Perforated materials: Lighter More breathable Often easier to mould Solid sheets: Stronger Cleaner finish Better for detailed contouring Where comfort and compliance are priorities, perforated materials are often suitable. Where durability and structure are critical, solid sheets may be preferable.   4. Consider Handling Characteristics Some thermoplastics become tacky quickly. Others cool too rapidly. In a busy clinic, ease of handling can significantly affect workflow. When trialling materials, assess: Working time Reheating responsiveness Bond strength Finish quality The right thermoplastic should support clinical efficiency - not complicate it.

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.

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.