A New Area of Stroke Rehabilitation –
Froomsplint® to provide Independence for the victim and caregiver
Oct. 5, 2005 - Freedom to perform the most basic
personal tasks is often lost for the partially paralyzed stroke
victim or those with other neurological disorders. Now available
is a splint that restores that independence, prevents clawhand
and turns everyday tasks into extended therapy sessions.
Stroke technology before the Froomsplint®:
In 2003 while providing care for his mother after she survived
a major stroke, Keith Froom, third generation inventor with 20
years of experience in research, design and manufacturing, designed
the anti-spasticity Froomsplint® out of frustration with
available splints and stroke therapy technology. After having
used the Froomsplint®, his mother has had remarkable recovery
that includes restoration of movement in the previously paralyzed
side, the ability to perform all tasks previously enjoyed and
a return to full-time office administration (typing, using computers,
etc.). Carol Froom regained her driving privileges and is creating
beautiful hand crafted greeting cards in her spare time.
When neurological paralysis occurs, the muscles involved don’t
work and quickly begin to atrophy, which causes a shortening of
muscles and thereby the “clawing” one often sees on
stroke survivors. The available splints, Keith discovered, were
bent to accommodate that clawing rather than correct it. In fact,
he discovered that 60-80% of the physical therapy sessions were
spent massaging and stretching hand and arm muscles; hence, only
10 – 15 minutes were available for rehabilitation.
In addition, without use of one body side, his mother and other
rehab patients he observed were unable to perform the simplest
of tasks like wiping on the toilet, washing in the shower and getting
dressed. It became obvious why so much of stroke recovery is overcoming
depression. So Keith got busy.
The Froomsplint®
The Froomsplint® is machined out of high quality plastic and
has straps that attach to the hand it is available in small, medium
and large sizes. It is reversible for right or left hand in a rigid
model or an adjustable thumb model. Most importantly, the Froomsplint® hand
orthosis can be applied or removed easily by patients, therapists
or caregivers, minimizing the need for expensive tape; it is available
by special order in smaller sizes for children. . The Froomsplint
also has patented accessories that attach to walkers, wheelchairs
and restroom fixtures. Keith Froom has also patented a line of
exercise devices for rehabilitation.
Benefits of the Froomsplint®
Froomsplint is compact, comfortable and adjustable, easily used
by the patient or caregiver. It expands weight-bearing rehabilitation
from a supervised regimen to simple home-based therapy, creating
a whole new area of stroke rehabilitation.
Allows for an extended weight-bearing surface, which in turn facilitates
motor recovery, and aids patients and caregivers in performing
stretching, strengthening and stabilization exercises. .
Helps maintain a weight-bearing surface for a recovering limb,
so that dropping, holding and moving the upper body trunk, in relation
to the distal limbs, is possible.
R.K. Froom & Co. Medical Devices, Inc.
R.K. Froom & Co. Medical Devices, Inc. was established in 2003 specifically
to research and develop a line of medical equipment to aid the
medical community in the home healthcare and rehabilitation field.
Businesses interested in manufacturing, licensing and distributing
R.K. Froom & Co. Medical Devices, Inc.’s integrated line of over fifteen
stroke and rehabilitation devices for wheelchairs, walkers and
home care are invited to contact us. The Froomsplint and its related
devices were awarded patent # 6,949,077 by the United States Patent
and Trademark Office on September 27th, 2005.
Robert Keith Froom
R.K. Froom & Co. Medical Devices, Inc.
(310) 327-5125
(310) 561-8462
robert@rkfroom.com |
