Orthotics - Your abdominal support

Introduction

This leaflet is for people who have been provided with an abdominal support by the Orthotics service. It will explain how you should care for your support and other important information about the Orthotics service.

We hope you find this information useful.

If you require further information or are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics department where the appointment has been made for you as soon as possible:

Bury, Rochdale or Oldham: 0161 778 2670
Email: nca.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

Salford: 0161 206 4912
Email: salford.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

For further information about our service, please visit:

www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/orthotics

Our sites are open for collection and dropping off devices:

Bury: Tuesdays only (closed for lunch 12 - 1pm)
Rochdale: Thursdays only (closed for lunch 12 - 1pm)
Oldham: Mondays only (closed for lunch 12 - 1pm)
Salford: Monday - Friday (closed for lunch 12 - 1pm)

What am I entitled to?

You are entitled to one abdominal support. You will only be given a second item after inspection of your original support by the Orthotist and for the following reasons:

• If you need the support long term
• If your original support is deemed to be clinically ineffective by the Orthotist
• If your original support is beyond repair

How should I use the abdominal support?

• It is best to put the support on lying down
• If your support is for a hernia, you should try to massage the hernia back in prior to fitting
• Place the support behind your back and wrap it around your waist
• Fasten the strap closest to the middle of the support first
• Then fasten the remaining straps from bottom to top, leaving out the strap you fastened initially
• Re-tighten the first strap if needed
• Wear the support as instructed by your Orthotist
• Remove the support before going to sleep
• Return the support for repair whenever necessary
• Wash the support regularly to keep it clean and in good condition

How should I care for the abdominal support?

• Fasten all Velcro straps
• Machine wash on gentlest programme or hand wash
• Wrap in a towel to remove excess moisture then allow to dry naturally – the support cannot be dried on the radiator or in a tumble dryer
• The support should be placed flat to dry

What problems should I be aware of?

If you notice any of the following, please contact the Orthotics department as soon as possible on the telephone number at the start of this leaflet

• Increased pain or discomfort
• Sores or blisters on the skin
• Irritation or rubbing
• Any damage to the support

Further appointments

You will not be given a further appointment automatically. However, if you feel your condition has not improved, has worsened or you are experiencing problems with your support you can ask to see the Orthotist for a review appointment by telephoning the Orthotics department where you had your original appointment.