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PANat
2009,
revised 02/2015, version 2017
24
Hand air splint (double chamber ) - 20 cm
For the larger hand use the 30 cm hand/wrist air splint but do not cover the wrist.
Aims of Use:
To maintain finger extension and thumb abduction to allow a firm weight bearing base for the hand.
To maintain finger and thumb position in activities requiring an open hand.
To assist weight bearing activities of the hand in sitting, standing and crawling.
Preparation
Ensure the client is sitting with weight evenly distributed through the buttocks and feet. The feet must be
flat on the floor. Prior to application passive movements of the shoulder girdle and arm are carried out; at
the same time muscle pliability and joint ranges are assessed.
Direct the client’s attention to the hand so
he can watch and feel the movement.
1
2
Direct the client’s attention to the hand so he
can watch and feel the movement.
Mobilise the wrist into dorsal extension.
3
4
The metacarpals or hand bones are individually
mobilised and the palm is rounded and flattened.
The thumb and each finger are passively
lengthened. Form the hand into a fist then
stretch it out.
5
6
Full range of movement of the hand including fist
closure is checked daily.
