Q. Why do you use stretches and splints?
When people can't move normally it is common for muscles to shorten. Muscles change their length according to the position they are held in for the majority of the time. For example, if someone can not move their arm and it is always resting in a position with the elbow bent, the muscles will shorten and they won't be able to straighten their arm.
Stretches and splints are used to prevent muscles shortening. The length of time the stretch or splint needs to be on varies from person to person.
Passive movements i.e. having someone else move a limb repetitively, is not an effective way of maintaining the length of muscles and can cause joint damage.
Last modified: Thursday, 20 April 2006