Normal arm and hand functions—including the ability to reach-to-grasp, manipulate objects, and stabilize the body during mobility—are an essential prerequisite to engaging in occupations. Impairment of arm and hand function is a common consequence for clients with neurological conditions. In clients with central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions, such as in cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and cerebral palsy, occupational therapists identify primary impairments and activity limitations such as impaired tone, impaired limb posture or positioning, pain, loss of movement, or motor control, and decrease in functional use as target areas for interventions. A wide range of intervention methods and techniques are available, including using splints for therapeutic purposes. Occupational therapy practitioners use their clinical reasoning and expertise in splinting for clients with CNS dysfunctions to decrease spasticity, prevent or reduce contractures, position to enhance biomechanical advantage, protect joint integrity, and reduce pain.
