Dynamic Arm Splints for Cerebral Palsy
Today, Katy, our Disability Champion, shares her experience of 'Second Skin' splints and how they have helped her live with Cerebral Palsy for many years.
Photos of Katy being fitted for her Second Skins at the London clinic
Katy says the 'Second Skins' help her posture and are much better than the body braces that are usually provided by the NHS. Fortunately, her mum researched alternatives and found 'Second Skins' when Katy was 12 years old.
How to get Second Skins
Unfortunately, Second Skins are expensive. Katy says you will need to fight for funding by asking your Doctor for a recommendation. Katy's dynamic splints cost £5000 per year. She wears a dynamic arm and hand splint on both arms and hands. This is done six days a week for 10 hours a day. Once a week, the splints are hand-washed and hung out to dry by her CareGiver. Katy admits they can be too hot to wear in the summer. Otherwise, she wouldn't want to be without them.
Why Second Skins Help
The Second Skins improve the resting and working posture of the upper arm, elbow, forearm, and hands. Without the Second Skins, Katy's arms and hands would curl up. Although she still has no hand control to feed herself, she likes that she can still feel some control. She does this by pushing up the feeding bowl when she is being fed.
Katy's Advice to Start Young
Katy's advice to other people living with cerebral palsy is to start wearing them as young as possible. Ideally, at 2 - 3 years of age. The Second Skins last a year before they lose their elasticity. Then, they need to be replaced. Katy goes to the Second Skin clinic in London to get measured. Her new Second Skins are delivered six weeks later.
Keep Moving & Physio
To further improve her comfort and mobility, Katy recommends we should all visit a physio periodically. This helps resolve any aches and pains regardless of age or ability. In the video below, we can see Kingsway CareGiver, Rebecca, supporting Katy. She is doing the exercises recommended after a session at Hove Physio.
About Second Skin Splints
Second Skin is the leader in the design, manufacture, and service delivery of custom-made medical compression garments and dynamic splints. Although an Australian company, there are several Second Skin clinics throughout the UK.
https://www.secondskin.com.au/contact/ukclinics
Please note, Kingsway Care is not affiliated with Second Skin in any way.
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