Our class had the opportunity to learn from a local hand specialist how to fabricate 2 different custom hand orthotics for pediatric or adolescent clients. This involved:

• creating a pattern from the client's hand; 

• cutting and heating the thermoplastic;

• molding the thermoplastic on the client's hand, which had to be held in the correct position;

• completing finishing touches with a heat gun;

• and adhering Velcro to enable the client to wear the orthosis.

I enjoyed this lab so much and would love the opportunity to improve my skills and create usable, comfortable orthoses for clients. I learned the importance (and difficulty!) of correct positioning of the client and applied my knowledge of hand anatomy and structure to craft orthotics that preserve as much function as possible while also protecting a client's injury to promote healing.