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Ultraflex
provides a viable treatment protocol for spastic hemiplegia
(hemiparesis).
Ultraflex
makes custom braces for the physically disabled. FirstFlex™,
a treatment protocol offered by Ultraflex, combines a custom
molded brace with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
This
treatment protocol is an effective conservative treatment
option for children with upper extremity cerebral palsy
induced spastic hemiplegia.
FirstFlex™ As An Adjunct To PT/OT
Our
patient population will rely heavily on PT/OT clinicians to
help:
- extend their global upper extremity function
improve activities of daily living and
- better use their affected limb(s).
We
see our treatment protocol as a viable adjunct to PT/OT.
If
you are a therapist who would like to know more about our treatment
protocol for children with spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis),
please Contact Us.
If
you have a group of 10-15 therapists/doctors who are interested
in the FirstFlex program, we will be happy to arrange
for an onsite inservice at your facility. There is no charge
for this professional courtesy.
What
To Expect From FirstFlex™
- Marked
improvement in reach, grasp and pinch.
- Carryover
improvement in activities of daily living such as hair
combing, dressing and play activities. Long term carryover
is unknown.
- Improved
strength
About
the Research
The
retrospective study comprised a period of 7 years. The
prospective study was conducted over a two-year period.
In
both studies, patients with spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis)
showed marked improvement when using combined custom bracing
and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
Contact
Us for the complete peer reviewed studies and patient videos
or read the research abstracts online.
Inclusion
Criteria
Good
candidates for the FirstFlex™ treatment option
for children with spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis) have:
- Mild
to moderate spasticity in their scapula, shoulder and elbow
- Moderate
to severe spasticity in their wrist and fingers
This
treatment protocol is not recommended if the patient has:
- Fixed
capsular elbow or wrist contractures
- Extremely
poor sensation
- Prior
wrist fusions
- Prior
tendon transfers
- Prior
selective neurectomies
Other
evaluation parameters to be determined:
- Patient
cognition should be sufficient to understand and follow
directions
- Patient
motivation
- Parental
support
If
you are considering the FirstFlex™ treatment protocol for your patient, please call us at 1-800-220-6670.
Our clinical support staff is standing by ready to assist you. |
