Understanding Serial Casting
Serial casting is a widely recognised therapeutic technique used by paediatric therapists at South West Kids Clinic to address various musculoskeletal conditions in children. It involves applying a series of lightweight casts over time to enhance muscle length, reduce spasticity, and optimise overall movement capabilities.
Serial casting works by utilising the principles of gentle, sustained stretching and immobilisation to lengthen muscles and gradually increase joint range of motion. The process begins with applying a custom-fitted cast strategically positioned to maintain the desired joint position while gently stretching the surrounding tissues.
During subsequent casting sessions, adjustments are made to gradually increase the stretch, allowing for progressive improvement in mobility and function. The casts are typically worn for a specified period before being replaced with a new cast to continue stretching. Our experienced therapists closely monitor and adjust each child throughout the treatment to ensure optimal outcomes.
What Conditions Does Serial Casting Support
Serial casting benefits various conditions and can significantly improve muscle flexibility, joint range of motion, and tolerance to stretching exercises. Some of the conditions commonly treated with serial casting include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Neurological Conditions
- Post-Botulinum Toxin Injections
- Prolonged toe walkers
- Improved Tolerance to Orthoses
How is Serial Casting Used in a Session?
Consultation and Goal Setting
Meet with an experienced physiotherapist or occupational therapist who will work with you to establish a sensible treatment goal. Together, you will create a customised casting plan tailored to your needs.
Application of the Initial Cast
The affected leg or arm is carefully positioned in a stretched pose. Casting material is then applied to immobilise the joint in this position. The initial cast is worn for 3-5 days.
Cast Replacement
After the initial period, the first cast is removed. A new cast is applied, positioning the joint into a deeper stretch. This process may be repeated, involving up to 4 casts, to gradually increase the joint’s range of movement.
Cast Removal
A particular saw removes each cast, which might initially be intimidating for some children. Therapists will demonstrate the removal process and use distraction techniques to ease fears.
Activity While Casted
While the cast is on, children are encouraged to walk and use their upper limbs as much as possible. This helps maximise the treatment’s results and minimise muscle weakness.
Monitoring and Adjustments
In some cases, the therapist may recommend temporarily removing the cast to ensure that it does not cause excessive weakness or other complications.
Benefits of Serial Casting
Serial casting offers several critical benefits for children with musculoskeletal conditions:
Improved joint mobility
Serial casting helps improve joint range of motion by gradually stretching tight muscles and tissues, allowing greater flexibility and movement.
Reduced contractures
Serial casting can effectively reduce contractures by lengthening muscles and soft tissues, preventing or minimising the development of permanent stiffness.
Enhanced functional abilities
Increased joint mobility and flexibility gained through serial casting can improve functional skills, such as walking, reaching, and participating in daily activities.
Non-invasive approach
Serial casting offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical interventions for addressing musculoskeletal issues, minimising the need for more invasive procedures.
Customised treatment
Our therapists customise the serial casting protocol to each child’s unique needs, ensuring targeted and effective treatment outcomes.
Progressive improvement
Through cast applications and adjustments, serial casting allows for progressive muscle length and joint mobility improvement, promoting long-term functional gains.
What is serial casting?
Serial casting is a noninvasive orthopaedic treatment technique used to gradually stretch tight muscles and improve joint mobility in children with musculoskeletal conditions. It involves applying a series of lightweight casts over time to elongate muscles and soft tissues gently.
How does serial casting work?
Serial casting works by applying a low-load, prolonged stretch to tight muscles and tissues, gradually increasing their length over time. Each cast is carefully applied to maintain the desired position and provide consistent stretching, allowing for progressive improvement in joint mobility.
What conditions can be treated with serial casting?
Serial casting is commonly used to treat conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, contractures, joint stiffness, muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders, and spasticity-related conditions that result in limited joint mobility and muscle tightness.
