Splinting

What is splinting?

Splinting stabilizes a specific part of your body and holds it in place. More specifically, it uses a medical device called a splint to protect and support you after a musculoskeletal injury. 

There are several types of splints, but they all have the same purpose –– to prevent further injury while speeding up your body’s natural healing process. 

What types of issues does splinting treat?

Doctor’s Own Urgent Care uses splinting to treat various musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Sprains
• Muscle strains
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Broken bones (fractures)
• Dislocations

Splinting can also be used to treat medical conditions that affect the brain, muscles, bones, and joints, including peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

How does splinting work?

Splinting is similar to casting in that it holds a specific part of your body, such as your arm or leg, in one position. Treatment typically involves wearing the splint for several weeks or months.

Most splints feature rigid outer materials like metal or plastic with cushioning or padding on the inside. The splint prevents excessive range of motion so that you heal more quickly. It also reduces pain and inflammation.

Are there different types of splinting?

Doctor’s Own Urgent Care provides several types of splinting, including:

Static splints

This type of splint prevents you from moving a specific body part, like your shoulder or elbow. You can’t move the body part at all while wearing a static splint.

Static progressive splints

This type of splint holds your body part in place but allows for some movement. Your provider adjusts your splint at regular checkups, allowing you to stretch while healing.

Dynamic splints

A dynamic splint lets you move your body part within a specific range set by your provider. Your Doctor’s Own Urgent Care provider adjusts your splint at regular checkups to promote healing.

Serial static splints

A serial static splint holds your body apart at the furthest point in its range of motion. This type of splint lets the tissues around an injury stay flexible while it heals.

How long does splinting take?

The time splinting takes depends on the injury treated. Most people only need to wear a splint for a few weeks, but more serious injuries can require splinting for several months. Follow your provider’s instructions and only remove the splint after your provider says it’s okay to do so. 

Call Doctor’s Own Urgent Care to schedule a splinting appointment, or book your visit online today. 

*Individual results may vary.