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FirstFlex™,
a new treatment program, may result in marked improvement for children with spastic hemiplegia. Studies conducted by the Kleinert
Institute suggest improved posture, strength, and control of global
arm-hand function following treatment.
The
combination of custom bracing and neuromuscular electrical stimulation
(NMES) offers a conservative treatment option throughout
a patient's growth and development.
FirstFlex™ achieves patient gains without pharmacological injections
or surgical procedures.
The
treatment program addresses three common deficits found in spastic
hemiplegia in children:
1.
Postural deformity
2. Grip and pinch weakness, and
3. Loss of inhibitory control over pinch, reach, grasp, and
release. |
Most study patients reported greater ease in carrying out daily
activities such as combing their hair, getting dressed, and
playing.
Who
Can Benefit From The FirstFlex™ Program?
Good
candidates for treatment are children ages 3 to 20. They have mild
to moderate spasticity in their scapula, shoulder and elbow and
moderate to severe spasticity in their wrist and fingers.
The
program is specifically targeted to Cerebral Palsy induced spastic
hemiplegia in children.
Patients
with fixed capsular elbow or wrist contractures or extremely poor
sensation are not good candidates. Prior wrist fusions, tendon
transfers and selective neurectomies are treatment exclusions.
Key
Considerations
 The
research strongly suggests that patient cognition, motivation
and parental support are crucial ingredients in the treatment's
success. These three essential elements are evaluated before a patient
enters the program.
The
FirstFlex™ program for children with spastic hemiplegia
requires an extensive daily time commitment on the part of both
the patient and caregivers.
Considerations
also include psychosocial family issues as well as the daily logistics
of scheduling two thirty-minute treatment sessions and of donning
the brace at bedtime.
Long-Term Effects Of FirstFlex™
Custom
bracing and neuromuscular stimulation treatment for spasticity reduction
have been encouraging but are not fully known. Additional research
is now underway to determine the length of the effects of the combined
treatment.
Where
You Can Discover More Information
For
more details about the FirstFlex™ program for children
with spastic hemiplegia turn to "Frequently
Asked Questions."
In
many cases insurance will cover the program if your policy
includes coverage for DME and orthotics and prosthetics. Please contact us for more information.
To
get a first hand account of patient progress with this breakthrough
treatment for children with spastic hemiplegia, download
patient videos.
You
can get an overview of the research studies documenting improvements in limb posture, deformity, and function | 
