When we think about summer, we think about refreshing pool parties, exciting beach trips and long, warm evenings. These activities are all great fun but may bring some challenges to those who need to wear an orthosis.
Now that summer is in full swing, we like to share our top tips for keeping your patient’s orthosis summer-proof.
Via giphy.com
Use a stockinette sleeve or a sock (with the toes cut off and a hole for the thumb) underneath the orthosis to absorb perspiration. Try socks made with moisture-wicking features to eliminate moisture.
Most thermoplastic orthoses can be worn while swimming, but need to be dried carefully afterwards. These are some additional swimming-related tips:
Via giphy.com
If the patient is experiencing itching underneath the orthosis, advise him or her not to scratch or use any sharp objects to do this. It is better to use an anti-itch cream to alleviate the problem.
Ask your patient to let you know if the skin is irritated or raw. They might need additional padding and protection from the thermoplastic material.
Use a fabric refresher to eliminate bad smells and restore a fresh feeling to the orthosis, especially those orthoses fabricated from Orficast and Orficast More products.
Use a disinfecting wipe to clean hard thermoplastic orthoses.
Dirty orthoses can be machine washed in a clothing bag on a mild programme at max 30°C/86°F. If possible, the velcro should be removed before doing this.
Instruct the patient to apply sunscreen on areas that are not covered by the orthosis.
Thermoplastic materials are sensitive to heat and should be protected from temperatures above 65°C/149°F. That’s why an orthosis should never be left in the car or in the sun for a prolonged period of time, otherwise, the material could melt and lose its shape. Such as in the picture underneath:
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Share these tips with your patient, so they can keep their orthosis feeling fresh and comfortable; even in the heat of summer.
Written by Debby Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Physical Rehabilitation Product and Educational Specialist at Orfit Industries America.
Debby is a certified hand therapist with over 36 years of clinical experience. She completed her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2010. She has worked at Orfit Industries America as Product and Educational Specialist since 2007.
Debby is also an adjunct professor at the Occupational Therapy Department of Touro University, School of Health Sciences, and at the Occupational Therapy Department at Yeshiva University, Katz School of Science and Health in NYC. She has written many book chapters in the field of hand therapy and multiple articles for hand therapy journals, including the ASHT Times and the Journal of Hand Therapy. She has published a new textbook on orthotic fabrication together with Dr. Katherine Schofield, entitled “Orthotic Design and Fabrication for the Upper Extremity: A Practical Guide”.
Co-written by Björn Le Roy, Occupational Therapist, BA
Björn was trained in orthotic fabrication by French Occupational Therapist, Jean Christophe Arias. In 2016, he began his Bachelor in Occupational Therapy which he successfully concluded in 2019.
Over the years, he has become an avid teacher of orthotic fabrication, giving numerous educational workshops across the world.
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