Making Sense, Part E

Much of the language used to describe the material properties of the orthoses on our list revolves around “force” words: Pressure. Rebound. Compression. Stretch. Resistance. An orthosis mechanically compensates by changing the outside forces acting on a body, or body part. I suppose that's its primary function.*

In our case, we have...

Six (6) different orthotic devices, six (6) different force-related profiles. For some reason my mind wants to lump 'em into two (2) categories:

1. Those that are primarily compression devices. A Benik vest, elastic therapeutic tape**, compression sportswear, and SPIOs all work based on (the application of) uniform pressure.
   
2. Those that biomechanically guide in addition to compress. With these you get more push and pull, and you get the ability to vary and pinpoint forces -- all thanks to the use of specialized connectors. (TheraTogs employ elastic straps that "Velcro back" onto the garment itself. The TheraSuit incorporates elastic bands. When the latter is used in conjunction with a Universal Exercise Unit, the wearer may be exposed to higher-load forces.)

Another distinction comes to mind, something to do with duration. Each of the primarily-compression-devices, along with TheraTogs, provides a prolonged force. They can be worn all day. A TheraSuit, on the other hand, is designed for shorter bursts of work.

So we have these devices that represent different strategies for influencing, altering and manipulating forces. To what ends? What purposes do their functionalities serve? What good can compression and biomechanical guidance do for kids with CP? 

See next post.

*To allow the skin to "breathe" could be considered a secondary function, and one that speaks broadly to comfort. (which, obviously, has to be taken into account)

**doesn't fit very neatly into this category, I realize