Hand Clinic and Splinting
Monthly from April 2020 (Either Monday or Wednesday)
The Hand Clinic assesses children and adults with cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities on their upper extremities' abilities, with the aim of improving their hand functions and increasing participation in self-care, social, educational and vocational activities. Following the assessment, the Occupational Therapists will provide recommendations and referrals for surgical or non-surgical interventions.
During the clinic, a Hand surgeon examines the clients, holds discussions and takes collective decisions with the Occupational Therapist and parents/caregivers, in order to efficiently address the issues of spasticity and muscle weakness affecting hand functions.
Children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions affecting muscle tone often present with high tone or hypertonicity in their bodies, especially in their arms, hands and legs. Often called spasticity, this tone can be very painful, leading to constant muscle spasm or clonus and can eventually cause contractures or fixed deformities and shortened tendons. Spasticity also limits movements and makes manipulating an object, walking and talking, or even just moving difficult or impossible for some children.
There are a variety of treatment options available to manage spasticity. The non-surgical preventive methods and treatments that are commonly used to address spasticity and its consequences are passive range of motion (stretching) and splinting.
Splinting
Splint is a medical device used to support or immobilise specific parts of the body to facilitate healing, prevent or correct deformities, and improve functions. It is custom-made by an Occupational Therapist using low-temperature plastic materials and is fitted to the individual client. Splints are helpful if there is limited joint range of motion. They are also used in appropriate positioning of one or several joints.
Commonly Used Splints
- Functional Hand Splints
- Resting Hand Splints
- Elbow Extension Splints
- Wrist Cock-up Splints
- Thumb Spica Splints
- Finger Extension Splints
Our Services
- Upper Limb Assessment is performed by Occupational Therapists to determine the abilities and limitations to perform hand functions and daily activities.
- Classification of hand function is determined to provide appropriate recommendations and interventions.
- Referral to our Social Work Department is made by the therapist for financially needy clients to arrange funding for splints.
- Referral to external agencies such as SGH, KKH, and TTSH for surgical and non-surgical interventions.
Our Team
- Hand Surgeon
- Occupational Therapist
- Nurse
- Teacher/Training Officer
Referral to the Clinic
Referrals to our Hand Clinic can be made for children and adults with hand issues by an Allied Health Professional, doctor, teacher, training officer or early interventionist by using our Hand Clinic Referral Form. Click here for our Hand Clinic Referral form or obtain a copy from our Occupational Therapy Department.
For more information, please contact
Ms Andrea Koh
Occupational Therapy Department
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore
Cerebral Palsy Centre, Level 3
65 Pasir Ris Drive 1
Singapore 519529
Tel: 65855623
Email: andrea_koh@cpas.org.sg