Evaluation of Static Progressive Stretch for the Treatment of Wrist Stiffness

Mike S. McGrath, Slif D. Ulrich, Peter M. Bonutti, Jonathan M. Smith, Thorsten M. Seyler and Michael A. Mont

The purpose of this study was to assess the total arc of motion and the satisfaction scores of patients who had wrist stiffness and who were treated with a bidirectional, patient-directed orthosis that used the principles of static progressive stretch.  Forty-seven patients who experienced posttraumatic or postsurgical wrist stiffness were treated with a patient-directed orthosis. Treatment consisted of a 30- to 60-minute stretching protocol performed 1 to 3 times per day.

All of the patients who used this protocol improved their total arc of motion. A splinting device that uses the principles of static progressive stretch is a useful treatment for patients who have posttraumatic or postsurgical wrist stiffness and whose progress has plateaued after a course of conventional physical therapy.

The Journal of Hand Surgery, 2008, 33(9), 1498-1504

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