Supporting Families During Holiday Stress
December 10, 2024
Feeling Unsure About Making a Custom Splint? Here’s How to Get Started with Confidence
As an occupational therapist, neonatal therapist, or physical therapist, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to create a custom splint at some point in your career.
Maybe it’s an unexpected request from a physician or perhaps you notice a clear functional need in a patient, but feel unsure about where to begin or what materials to use ... so you dodge the question.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone!
The task of fabricating a custom orthosis can feel daunting, especially if you haven’t had much practice or if your training focused more on pre-fabricated options. But, with the right approach, it’s absolutely possible to build the skills and confidence you need. Let’s walk through some simple steps to make the process easier—and keep that initial uncertainty from holding you back.
1. Start with a Clear Plan
The first step when faced with the need for a custom splint is to get clear on the purpose of the orthosis. Think about these key questions:
- What function or structure needs support?
Does the patient need a splint for stability, pain management, functional positioning, or protection? - What is the desired outcome?
Define what success will look like. Do you want to increase range of motion, improve fine motor skills, or support healing post-injury? - Which joints need to be stabilized or mobilized?
This will guide the design of the splint and help you decide which parts of the hand, wrist, or other area should be supported.
Knowing the answers to these questions provides a solid foundation to move forward with confidence. By narrowing down the specific goals and functions you want the splint to address, you can make informed choices about its design.
2. Gather Your Tools and Materials
Once you know the purpose of the splint, it’s time to think about materials. Custom splint fabrication doesn’t require a vast collection of supplies.
Here’s a starter list of essentials:
- Thermoplastic Sheets: These are available in different thicknesses with a range of handling characteristics. Choose one based on the level of rigidity you need.
- Scissors and Heating Source: Scissors should be sharp enough to cut through thermoplastic and a heat gun or hot water bath will allow you to mold the material.
- Strapping Material and Padding: Comfort is key, so having soft padding and secure strapping will make the splint both functional and comfortable for the patient.
- Finishing Tools: These can include edging tape and smoothers to ensure the splint is safe to wear without any rough edges.
While these basics are often enough to create an effective splint, there are additional options available to meet more specific needs. You’ll get more comfortable with these materials over time. Soon they’ll feel like familiar tools in your therapeutic toolkit.
3. Practice Your Craft
If you’re new to custom splinting, practice is essential. Start by creating simple, functional orthoses. Try fabricating basic models, such as a wrist cock-up or a thumb spica splint, on yourself or a coworker. This will help you get comfortable with handling thermoplastics, positioning, and understanding fit.
As you practice, don’t be afraid to test your creations and ask for feedback. It’s in the practicing and experimenting that you’ll develop confidence in your skills.
4. Connect with Resources and Mentorship
When in doubt, seek support from those with experience in custom splinting. Many experienced clinicians and specialists are happy to provide guidance, whether it’s through professional associations, online communities, or courses.
If your clinic has a splinting mentor, reach out to them for advice on complex cases. If not, check out our virtual custom splinting education course (keep reading!).
An Encouraging Reminder
Taking the leap to make a custom orthosis can be intimidating, but remember: each step forward builds your confidence and skills. The impact you’ll have on a patient’s life and functionality makes it more than worth it. Every splint you make, no matter how challenging at first, adds to your expertise and your ability to create positive change.
As you go forward, keep this in mind:
"Courage doesn’t mean you don’t feel unsure—it means you move forward anyway, knowing the work you do can transform lives."
So, if you’re on the fence about making that custom splint, start small, stay curious, and remember that every expert started exactly where you are. You’ve got this!
Ready to Dive Deeper?
If you’re looking for a structured way to build your skills, join our next splinting course designed specifically for pediatric and neonatal therapists. These courses offer individualized guidance and personalized feedback, helping you become confident in your craft. Explore our Custom Orthotic Fabrication for Infants and Children for more information!
