How to choose the right material
Splinting materials are categorized into three major categories based on Resistance to Stretch (RTS): Maximum, Moderate, or Minimum. Choose the category that best matches the application, the therapist’s experience level, and the patient’s needs.
Maximum RTS Best for Neurological and Orthopedic Patients
Require constant handling and continual effort to contour. They can be handled forcefully, making them great for beginners or infrequent splinters. Use when holding patient in a stretched position or to correct deformity, or for larger orthoses: elbow, forearm, shoulder, trunk, or leg.
Multiform Max is similar to Orthoplast, but with the added advantage of improved drape.
Moderate RTS Best for Positioning and Orthopedics
Highly versatile, achieving good fit with light handling and pulling. With experience, therapists can use this material for most splints, including hand, wrist, elbow, trunk, and knee. Not recommended for spasticity or contracture, as material easily deforms while molding.
Multiform Clear is very versatile—comparable to Aquaplast, offering excellent memory for progressive splinting, and turns clear when heated, for easy location of pressure points or landmarks.
Minimum RTS Best for Painful or Post-Surgical Cases and Hand-Based Splints
Requires light touch to stretch or fold. Great for experienced splinters. Conforms to contours easily with minimal handling. Recommended for face, neck, hand, and wrist splints.
Multiform
Plastic offers maximum conformity, similar to both Orthoplast II and Polyform.
Multiform—Compare and SAVE
Multiform is half the price of other premium splinting materials, saving clinics thousands of dollars annually when they switch. Multiform uses the same raw materials as other leading brands — the big difference, though, is direct-to-you prices.