Serial Casting

Serial casting is a method of treating poor functional alignment of a joint which results in limited ability to use certain joints of the arms or legs. The technique also can be used to manage contractures in both the upper and lower extremities. Serial casting consists of a series of casts made to correct the position of a joint, such as increasing dorsi-flexion (bend) of the ankle, standing flat on the feet, or use the hand or arm more effectively. The series of casts improves the muscle function by:

• placing a prolonged stretch on the muscle groups
  
• managing excess tone in the muscles
  
• increasing connective tissue extensibility
  
• increasing muscle tendon length.