Our
Technology For Treatment Of Spasticity Is Built Upon NASA Principles
Lighter,
Stronger, More Functional And User Friendly |
FirstFlex combines
custom bracing and neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the
treatment of Cerebral Palsy induced spasticity in children. The
componentry used in our braces utilizes our Ultraflex II product
line - the next generation in componentry.
Four
Steps From Casting To Completion
Each
brace is crafted by highly skilled
technicians . . . one at a time.
The
process of crafting custom Ultraflex bracing for the treatment
of spasticity in children encompasses four steps:
1.
The process begins with a cast, which is taken by an orthotist.
(For more information about casting, see our casting video).
(We can recommend an orthotist in your area if you do not currently
have one. Our clinician contacts extend throughout the United
States, Canada and Europe.)
2.
The cast is then sent to Ultraflex where it is filled with plaster.
It is then modified to remove any rough edges and accommodate
the specific anatomical needs of the patient, as indicated.
3.
Once the cast moves to fabrication, foam and plastic are pulled
over it creating a smooth surface and a cushioned interior.
4.
Ultraflex II patented componentry is then integrated
to give dynamic tension and static control to the brace for therapeutic
purposes.
Spasticity
And The Potential For Treatment
Cerebral
Palsy induced spasticity is often extremely stimulus (movement)
dependent. In spastic hemiplegia, there appears to be the greatest
potential to alter spasticity and inhibitory control through
a combination of dynamic/static bracing and facilitation of opposing
musculature.
For
the upper extremity, spasticity will alter resting posture and volitional
movement of the elbow, wrist and hand. This negatively impacts normal
development of reach, grasp and pinch.
The
common pattern presents with spastic elbow flexors, forearm pronators,
wrist flexors and intrinsic hand musculature. This will frustrate
the patient who sees their "bad" arm lagging behind their
"good" arm, and the negative impact can reach beyond the
loss of function.
About
the Brace
The
FirstFlex custom design provides precise
dynamic input to the complete spastic elbow-wrist-hand musculature
including isolating the pronator muscle. Once the FirstFlex
is donned (put on), the wrist should be postured to neutral (as
is feasible).
The
dynamic extension MCP finger pan will posture, lengthen and strengthen
the intrinsic hand musculature needed for grasp and pinch functions.
The
protocol for the treatment of spasticity in children should involve:
1.
Two one-half hour sessions daily of movement pattern training
with the brace and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
2.
Sub-maximal night posture/stretching
Therapy
- An Integrated Treatment Model For Spasticity
Therapy
should focus on facilitation of the extensor muscles (triceps,
forearm extensors) with NMES.
Braced
and NMES assisted movement pattern training may enhance reciprocal
relaxation of spastic musculature to facilitate better motor control
and balance. Therapy integration of treating both the spastic and
opposing musculature simultaneously must be done under the direction
and guidance of the attending physician and therapist.
This
integrated treatment model for spasticity in children may alter
the reflex arc through cortical changes, moving spasticity management
beyond just symptom management to actual changes in volitional
movements.
This
treatment of spasticty may result in regained inhibitory control
and higher velocity and quality of movement.
You
can download a video about the FirstFlex therapy with patented Ultraflex
custom bracing and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
For
more detailed information or for answers to your specific questions,
please Contact Us. |