Upper Limb Bracing | Hampshire Orthotics

Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a neurological condition, or looking for support to maintain hand and arm function, we offer a range of upper limb orthoses tailored to your individual needs — from quality stock items to fully bespoke, custom-made devices.

What is Upper Limb Bracing?

Upper limb orthoses are braces, splints, and supportive devices designed for the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. They serve a wide range of purposes — from immobilising an injured joint to actively supporting movement in people with conditions that affect muscle tone or nerve function.

At Hampshire Orthotics, upper limb orthoses are provided at the level that best suits your clinical needs — from high-quality stock items through to fully bespoke, custom-made devices. Whatever the solution, every product we supply or recommend meets our standards for quality and clinical appropriateness. Nothing is prescribed or sourced simply because it is the cheapest or most convenient option.

Conditions We Support

Upper limb bracing can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

● Wrist and hand injuries, including fractures and ligament sprains
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
● Tendon injuries and repairs
● Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the hand and wrist
● Stroke — supporting hand and arm function during rehabilitation
● Cerebral palsy — managing tone and improving functional ability
● Peripheral nerve injuries, including radial nerve palsy
● Brachial plexus injuries
● Hypermobility and joint instability

Types of Upper Limb Orthosis

Depending on your assessment findings and clinical goals, Lucy may recommend one of the following:

Wrist-Hand Orthoses (WHO)

These support and stabilise the wrist and hand. They may be rigid for immobilisation or semi-flexible to allow some controlled movement. They are commonly used following injury, surgery, or for managing arthritis and nerve conditions.

Resting Splints

Worn during rest or sleep, resting splints maintain the hand and wrist in a comfortable, functional position. They are often recommended for people with conditions that cause muscle tightness or spasticity, such as stroke or cerebral palsy.

Elbow Orthoses

Elbow braces can provide support and controlled movement following injury or surgery, or help manage conditions such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or instability.

Dynamic Splints

These devices use springs or elastic components to apply a gentle, controlled force to assist or resist movement. They are particularly useful in rehabilitation settings, helping to maintain or improve range of motion.

Dynamic Lycra Garments

For people with neurological conditions, custom Lycra orthoses can be a comfortable and effective alternative to rigid splinting. By applying gentle compression and strategically placed reinforcement panels, they improve proprioception (body awareness), support muscle tone, and enhance functional movement. See our Sensory Dynamic Garments page for more information.

The Assessment and Fitting Process

Before any upper limb orthosis is prescribed, Lucy will carry out a thorough clinical assessment. This includes reviewing your medical history and symptoms, assessing joint range of motion and muscle strength, and discussing your day-to-day functional goals. From there, the most appropriate solution is recommended — which may be a stock item from our clinic, a device measured and ordered in for a dedicated fitting appointment, or a fully bespoke orthosis designed and manufactured by our specialist partners. Where a product is suitable for self-fitting, Lucy will advise you on the best place to purchase it and ensure you have the guidance you need to use it correctly. Follow-up reviews are arranged wherever needed to check progress and make any adjustments.

Get in Touch
For more information about upper limb bracing or to book an assessment, please contact us.
Phone: 023 8000 5505 • Email: admin@hampshire-orthotics.co.uk
East Gate Lodge, Embley Park, Romsey, SO51 6ZB