Serial Casting and Turtle Brace
Serial casting can help those clients who have developed tightness to their calf muscles, wrist, hand or elbow.
What is serial casting?
Serial casting is the process of putting on and then removing a cast approximately every seven days for a period of several weeks, usually between 4-12 weeks. The number of casts necessary depends on any improvements made over time.
It involves using either soft cast or a single use patient brace applied to arms or legs. Single patient
use braces can be used such as the turtle brace.
Serial Casting For Lower Limbs
For lower limbs you may be provided with a special shoe to go over the cast to limit slipping and achieve the best position. If you are given a special shoe, please bring this to every appointment.
You may not be able to wear your normal shoes.
At each follow up appointment throughout the treatment the cast or brace will be removed the therapists will measure how much movement has been gained and a new cast or a new position in the brace will be applied with an increased amount of stretch.
How does serial casting work?
Once the client has been identified as being suitable for serial casting a cast will be applied by an orthotist. The cast may be a single use device such as soft cast or using the turtle brace which can be heated and reused at the weekly intervals.
Help For Tight Muscles and Stiff Joints
The aim is to stretch the tight muscles and tendons to gain a better range of movement at the stiff joints. Functionally for the lower limb it may help someone stand with their foot on the ground, their balance will improve.
It can help people, who walk on their toes, to be able to get their heel to the floor and achieve a heel to toe walking pattern.
For the upper limb it can increase ease of dressing, fine motor skills, pain relief and comfort. Serial casting can also be used pre or post botulinum toxin injections for treatment of high muscle tone.
Things to be aware of?
Serial casting shouldn’t be painful, but you may experience some initial muscle stretching. If you wear ankle foot orthoses or resting hand splint and you gain more movement, it’s likely that you will need new ankle foot orthoses at the improved ankle angle range of movement.
After a period of serial casting, it is important to maintain any motion gained so please speak to your physiotherapist and orthotist for advice on stretches and splints (ankle foot orthoses).
The turtle brace is a waterproof device which can be worn during bathing or going to the pool. It can
help access and function during these times.
We Can Help
We are a team of highly experienced paediatric and adult treating physiotherapists and orthotists across the North West of England. We are all HCPC registered and members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
We all have a wealth of knowledge and skills in paediatric and adult rehabilitation.
If you or your child would benefit from treatment using serial casting or a turtle brace we would love to help.
You can contact us for a free telephone consultation and to find out more about our cutting-edge services. Please get in touch below.
Benefits of Serial Casting and Turtle Brace
Serial casting and turtle braces have a variety of benefits for patients including:
- Help with tight muscles
- Improved fine motor skills
- Reduced pain and joint stiffness
- Improved balance & coordination
We understand that the prospect of treatment can be daunting. To help make your experience as comfortable and as stress-free as possible, our team of therapists will work with you to create a bespoke therapy plan. If you’re interested in learning more about our sderial casting services or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Call 01282 222720 or email info@letsgophysio.co.uk.
Get in touch with a member of our friendly team
Office 3
Northlight Estate
Northlight Parade
Nelson
BB9 5EG
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