Uncovering the Impact of Serial Casting: A Closer Look at the Benefits for Kids

Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the fascinating treatment of serial casting and its remarkable benefits for children. This process can cause some nerves for parents and kids, so understanding the procedure, benefits and how to reduce risk is a helpful step before we start.

Importantly, serial casting is a specialised and complex skill, requiring a thorough knowledge. We encourage only experienced clinicians and those with hands-on mentoring to use serial casting. Our clinicians have several years of supervised experience before undertaking casts on their own.

(Image credit Essity)

Understanding Serial Casting

Serial casting is a specialized casting intervention that involves the application of a series of weekly casts to gradually improve joint alignment, flexibility, and function over time. You can think of the process like having braces for straightening teeth... but for arms or legs. This method offers a non-invasive, non-surgical approach to assist in correcting muscle and joint contractures (tightness).

The most common use in our clinic is for ankle contractures causing persistent toe walking or other changes to walking patterns. Most importantly, serial casting is only used if tightness is the cause and all other treatments have been/would be ineffective.

The Journey of Improvement

Through a process of applying a new cast each week for 3-6 weeks, a gradual stretch is applied. Serial casting encourages the muscles and tendons to adapt to a corrected position, fostering better alignment and mobility once the process is finished. This gradual adjustment treats contractures, opening up a pathway to improved functional abilities.

Side effects are minimal and might include some skin irritation, and some discomfort in the first day of each cast. Our therapists have years of experience in mitigating these risks and ensuring comfort.

Before casting - measurements are taken to see how far off normal the joint is and how long the process might take.

During casting - parents and therapists check their kids' skin and circulation daily which only takes a minute or two. The casts can easily be removed by parents or carers the day before returning for the next cast, which means a proper shower is possible each week!

After casting - usually night time resting splints or day time walking splints (like AFO's or orthopaedic shoes) are used to prevent any regression. This could be short term or long term depending on your child's needs.

Benefits for Kids

Ability to Walk on Casts

In most cases kids can continue walking as normal while their casts are on! Most kids adjust to walking in their casts within the first day. Avoid running and sport to avoid injury and cast damage, but walking and weightbearing in moderation is only going to help the process.

Enhanced Mobility

By targeting specific areas of tightness, serial casting plays a crucial role in improving a child's ability to move comfortably and efficiently, promoting greater independence in daily activities.

Pain Management

Tight muscles can be really uncomfortable and impact other joints - everything in the body is connected after all. Improved flexibility from serial casting can help restore alignment up the chain.

Improved Participation

As joint alignment and function are enhanced through serial casting, children can experience an improved functional ability, enabling them to engage more actively in sport and physical activity with family and friends.

The journey of serial casting may present challenges, but the rewards are truly remarkable. Witnessing a child gain confidence in their movement abilities and witnessing their progress firsthand is a testament to the positive impact this intervention can have on their well-being.