STATIC PROGRESSIVE STRETCH TO REESTABLISH ELBOW RANGE OF MOTION

Static progressive stretch (SPS) is a technique using the biomechanica l principle of stress relaxation to restore range of motion (ROM) in j oint contractures. Existing techniques such as dynamic splinting and t raction rely on a time-dependent material property, creep, which appli es a continuous load. Other techniques, such as serial casting and sta tic splinting, are time intensive and usually require assistance by a therapist. This study evaluates SPS via a new orthosis that directly a pplies SPS incrementally through patient-controlled therapy, allowing for stress relaxation of contracted tissue. Patients used the device i n 30-minute treatment protocols. The length of treatment time varied b etween one and three months. Twenty patients with elbow contractures w ho had limited success with other treatment modalities including seria l casting, dynamic splinting, physical therapy, and/or surgery, underw ent SPS using the new orthosis. The increase in motion for the 20 pati ents in the study averaged 31 degrees (69%). All patients expressed sa tisfaction, with no complications and no deterioration in ROM at the o ne-year follow-up evaluation.